SOLDIERS FROM 2 R IRISH REFLECT ON THE GALLIPOLI CAMPAIGN

Members of the Royal Irish Regiment spent time at Gallipoli analysing the ill-fated 1915 Mediterranean Expedition Force (MEF) – whose task it was to take control of Constantinople (Istanbul) – and in particular, to follow in the steps of the 29th Brigade, 10th (Irish) Division.  

The week started with the Somme Association holding a service of reflection and rededication of a plaque within Green Hill Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) Cemetery.

 
The Duke of Gloucester and the Irish Minister of State unveil the plaque.

This was followed by an intensive analysis of the battle, from the strategic planning to the logistic support, concentrating on the tri-service approach and how if failed so badly.

After a failed Naval campaign in February 1915, a land invasion followed in April 1915 which faltered and ultimately caused the death of over 360,000 Allied and Turkish troops. After 9 months an evacuation of the peninsula was ordered; some say the most successful aspect of the campaign.

At the Helles Monument, on the South end of the Gallipoli peninsula, we were joined by some members of the Sikh RBL who were doing their own tour and remembering the 29th Indian Brigade soldiers who fell. They joined us in a service and wreath laying ceremony. 

 
Ranger McNich lays a wreath at the Helles Monument.

The trip not only looked at the British Units, which included the 10th (Irish) Division, but also the ANZAC contribution and in particular the ‘Battle of the NEK’; a long narrow piece of key ground which the ANZACs tried to capture and hold with the loss of thousands of lives.

 
The photo above left shows the view faced by the ANZACS on landing; above right shows the Lone Pine Cemetery and monument.

Colour Sergeant Gavin Kelly 42, a soldier from Ballymena, currently serving with the 1st Battalion and who also attended the tour, said: “The lessons learnt from this period in our military history had a direct effect on the D Day Landing in 1944 and more recently the Falklands War.”

Major Gareth Latus who organised the trip in conjunction with Mrs Carol Walker from the Somme Association said: “This event was meant to look at how military tactics have changed since 1915, but as these trips unfold and as one walks in the footprints of these soldiers and officers it achieves so much more.”

Lt Col Kenny summed up the trip: “This was a hugely beneficial trip for these young Soldiers and Officers. It will give them a fuller understanding of how soldiers and their commanders reacted during this time. I hope they can take away the lessons they have learned and apply them to their own situations in the future, making them all the better for it.”