In the early hours of December 20th, 109 years ago, the guns fell silent in the ANZAC Sector at Gallipoli.
On this day in 1915, after nearly nine months of fighting, the last of the ANZAC troops evacuated with heavy hearts.
The Turkish forces were relieved that there would be no more fighting, that they could mourn many thousands who perished defending their homeland and that peace had finally prevailed at Gallipoli.
A commemorative service is taking place at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park Sydney at 12 noon today - 4am in Gallipoli, the time the last boat rowed away from ANZAC Cove.
More than 60,000 Australians served at Gallipoli during the eight-month campaign, 8,700 lost their lives and 18,000 were wounded.
There are 33 Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries in Türkiye, 21 are in the Anzac area and the major cemeteries include Lone Pine, Shrapnel Valley, Ari Burnu, the Beach, and Shell Green. To this day there are more than 7,200 Australians buried in cemeteries in Türkiye or listed as missing in Gallipoli.
Minister for Veterans David Harris said:
“Today is a significant day for Australian military history. We acknowledge the 109th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign which saw the withdrawal of the last of the ANZAC troops on 20 December 1915.
“The Gallipoli campaign holds a special place in mine and my family’s heart as my great great uncle Lieutenant Duncan Chapman was the first man to step ashore at Gallipoli in 1915.
“Today is an opportunity for us all to remember the service and sacrifice of our veterans who participated in this campaign 109 years ago.
“It is important that we continue to commemorate this day to ensure that the legacy of our veterans lives on for generations.”
