The History 

On the dawn of April 25, 1915, such was the destiny for Brighton Beach, as a force of allied soldiers from the United Kingdom, France, India, Canada, Australian and New Zealand were to storm Brighton with the ultimate goal of capturing the Gallipoli Peninsular and the Ottoman Capitol of Constantinople, resulting in the removal of Germany’s main Ally to the East, opening the Black Sea to Allied Navies.

However this was not to be the case. A combination of poor command and communication led to troops landing on the wrong beach North of Brighton.

Touring Gallipoli I will admit was rather depressing.

We see the photos each year of the dawn services held at Gallipoli which I imagine is a very emotional experience. The day is celebrated as a hallmark in defining our nationhood and what we see as important in terms of mateship, service, sacrifice, courage and commitment.

The Death Toll

The failed attempt to “quickly” knock the Ottomans out of the war at Gallipoli resulted in the deaths of…

• 43,000 British
• 15,000 French
• 8,700 Australians
• 2,700 New Zealanders
• 1,370 Indians.
• Total Turkish deaths were around 60,000.

One of these significant legacies is the mutual respect between the Turks and our country.  Once enemies, now nothing short of brothers, a motion that was summed up beautifully by Kemal Ataturk in a speech to the first visitors to Gallipoli from Australia and New Zealand in 1934:

“Heroes who shed their blood and lost their lives! 

You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. 

There is no difference between the Johnnies and Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours. 

You, the mothers, who sent their sons from far away countries, wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. 

After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well.”