Gallipoli Pilgrims Tired

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30739, 1 May 1965, Page 1

Gallipoli Pilgrims Tired

Four veterans of the Anzac landing in 1915 (two with wives) arrived back in Christchurch from the Gallipoli pilgrimage last evening “more tired than after the war” and somewhat confused by all they had seen.

The trip was so quick, Anzac Cove was so overgrown, and functions were so frequent that they failed to assimilate everything but loved it just the same, they said. Different Angle “We came in to Anzac from a different angle this time and, because of the overgrowth, we found it hard to pick up bearing points,” said Mr J. Stewart (Timaru). “Even on the beach it was hard to remember just where we had fought. But they plan to make it a national reserve with important places of April, 1915, well marked so it will be easier then.” “The Ist Canterbury spent

two months at Quinn’s Post. This time we were there 10 minutes,” said Mr J. D. Murdoch (Ashburton). “The beach seemed different too. Some of it seemed to have washed away so that I even wondered if we were on the right beach.” As much as Anzac, he enjoyed visiting seven countries, even though he was walking on two sticks, Mrs Murdoch enjoyed every moment. Her only regret was losing a pair for shoes bought overseas. “I’ll have to go back,” she said. Stopped At Cairo

Mr and Mrs S. Newton (Christchurch) got only as far as Cairo when Mrs Newton had a slight stroke. She had wonderful care in hospital and, though tired and using a wheelchair, is making a good recovery. It was Mr S. H. Rhodes who described the tiredness of everyone on the pilgrimage. “We moved fast for a party aged 70 or more,” he said, “and the changes of climate and food caused many colds, dysentery, and other minor illnesses. None of us are as young as we used to be.” Asked about reported dis-

satisfaction, Mr Rhodes said it seemed that the Australian leader wanted to take everything into his own hands- and not consult the New Zealanders. This was a pity but it did not spoil the trip. In Turkey in particular the pilgrimage party were given wonderful receptions, sajd Mr Rhodes. “These were our old enemies and they did more for us than anyone else.”

The party, the first back, were welcomed by Mr H. J. Walker for the Government, Mr A. S. Farrar for the New Zealand R.S.A. and Mr D. Barrett for the Christchurch R.S.A.