Now all roads lead to France and heavy is the tread
Of the living; but the dead returning lightly dance.
Edward Thomas, Roads

Friday, October 2, 2020

Eight Quotes on Gallipoli

 

29th Division Headquarters, Gully Ravine, Gallipoli


It is no longer possible to force the Dardanelles . . . Nobody would expose a modern fleet to such perils.

Winston Churchill, 1911


It looked as if no human power could withstand such an array of might and power  [but yet the Turks did].

A Forgotten British Officer


Early morning: Almighty God, Watchman of the Milky Way, Shepherd of the Golden Stars, have mercy upon us. . . Thy will be done. En avant [forward]—at all costs—en avant.

Expedition Commander Sir Ian Hamilton, Diary Entry, 25 April 1915


Mustafa Kemal Monument, Cape Helles, Gallipoli



Men, I am not ordering you to attack. I am ordering you to die. In the time that it takes us to die, other forces and commanders can come and take our place.

Mustafa Kemal, Commander 19th Division, Later the Same Day


The Turkish positions only get stronger every day… They are magnificently well-led, well-armed and very brave and numerous.

Reverend O. Creighton, Chaplain, 29th Division


Our life here is truly hellish. Fortunately, my soldiers are very brave and tougher than the enemy.

Mustafa Kemal, 20 July 1915


As long as wars last, the evacuation of Suvla and Anzac will stand before the eyes of all strategists as a hitherto unattained masterpiece.

Military correspondent, Vossiche Zeitung, January 1916


O! The rough cliffs witnessed that day

O! The heroic trenches of Sergeant Mehmet

O! The sacred site of Mustafa Kemal

O! The Bloody hills, burnt places.

Mehmet Emin Yurdakul, "The Epic of the Army"

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