[Graeme / New Zealand]

They fought in Gallipoli to gain a "back door" to Germany. But they were put ashore by the British Navy in the wrong place (shades of Omaha Beach). The coast line was rugged cliffs. The Turk defense was strong and they had the high ground. The Anzacs ( Australian New Zealand Army Corps) took ground and lost it again over and over. After months and a "stalemate" with the loss of many lives, they were taken off the peninsular under night. Many went on to France to die on the Somme, Ypres and Passchendaele. As part of of the "British Empire" we were subservient to our "masters" back then. Gallipoli was the defining moment for New Zealand as a nation and possibly Australia but they can speak for themselves. From then on we no longer "blindly" went where Britain went. Although we were still part of the British Empire we were a "different" country in WW2. In that conflict New Zealanders were led by New Zealand Officers, not British.The Aussies were less tolerant of the the British treatment than us and good on them. Gallipoli sticks in the craw of many still. " I had a great uncle killed there. I never knew him. These soldiers payed the ultimate sacrifice so we can enjoy the freedoms today but that battle is recognised by history as a major millitary "blunder".

"Lest we forget"

GB