Battlefield remains from World War I unearthed by wildfires and rain on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Türkiye have been covered over by Kiwis involved in commemorative duties.
Members of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) who were in Gallipoli as part of the planning team for Anzac Day commemorations were made aware of the uncovered remains and their location near the Chunuk Bair memorial.
When the area was assessed, it appeared some of the remains may have already been moved so after discussions with Commonwealth War Graves Commission staff, the decision was made to ensure remains were covered and secure, with as little disturbance to the surroundings as possible.
New Zealand commemoration lead John McLeod said a small team, including members of the NZDF and the NZ Embassy, assisted in the covering up of remains that were exposed.
“It was the right thing to do. We consulted with local authorities about best practice and with the upmost respect and honour, we covered up the remains, laid poppies and took a moment of silence for each of the remains”.
The group recited a karakia and The Ode, and played the Last Post as they reflected across the area where the historic trenches have been exposed following the devastating wildfires in August last year.
Heavy rain in the area since the wildfires have also added to the disturbance of the soil.
Members of the New Zealand team behind the Anzac Day commemorations in Gallipoli covered remains unearthed by wildfires and rain.
Mr McLeod said given the number of dead across the peninsula, attempting to remove the fragmentary remains of the dead from all sides would do more damage to the remains as well as destroy the battlefield and surrounding environment. The collective approach from all countries is to minimize the impact of ongoing human interference on the battlefield and respect it as the final resting place of so many men.
“After the battle of Chunuk Bair, it was impossible under battlefield conditions to recover or bury all of the dead,” he said.
From August 1915 onwards, the area around the Apex, where the most recent remains were found, was occupied by New Zealand units along with British forces. The area was a place of significant fighting as the Ottoman forces attacked after having recaptured Chunuk Bair.
“It’s important the public acknowledges the sacredness of what is essentially one large cemetery. There are dead from all sides, laying side by side, and the various memorials across the heritage site honour those who never made it home.”
Mr McLeod said the small team was humbled to be able to honour the remains in the area in a small way, and it was a very stark reminder of what Anzac Day commemorations in the area mean to those who acknowledge it.
