Gallipoli - James Stretton

My interest in the disastrous Dardanelles campaign of WW1 was first stimulated when I saw Peter Weir's 1981 film "Gallipoli" starring a very youthful Mel Gibson. The campaign ran from February 19th 1915 to January 9th 1916. The Turkish victory ultimately stemmed from the British foolhardy underestimation of the military potential of the declining Ottoman Empire. Significant numbers of British and French troops were involved against the Turkish & German forces. However, it is the heroic involvement of the ANZAC forces comprising of 50,000 Australians and 15,000 New Zealanders that is now at the forefront of our memories. The ANZACS were at the spearhead of the amphibious assault of April 25th 1915 and sustained appalling losses in dreadful conditions. Indeed, many historians consider the bravery and fortitude displayed by the ANZACS at Gallipoli to be an important component in the national consciousness of Australia and New Zealand. A century on from the end of "The Great War", the war to end all wars it is to the brave ANZAC soldiers that this concert march is humbly dedicated. James Stretton - Blenheim, New Zealand.