Blog 4 - Gallipoli - Written by Maddie Tickle

Sitting here, trying to write this is actually quite hard. I feel kind of like an ANZAC would have, how they would struggle to describe this place to their families back home. Gallipoli is indescribable. It’s beautiful beach, amazing landscape and remarkable views are things I can tell easily you about. But what I can’t explain is the feeling of seeing all the graves, of reading the epitaphs, and how when after reading the Ode and listening to the last post, George Logan, a veteran, a man who has been there, simply says, “good job, cobber”, you can’t help but get watery eyes. Because that is what this place does to you. It makes it real.

Today we had our commemoration service at Lone Pine. The Australian Consul was nice enough to come and it was a very moving ceremony. First we had our ‘adopt a digger’ speeches from Gracie, Bennett, Kate and myself. They were all beautifully presented (if I do say so myself) and a great way to finish them off was our group singing of Waltzing Matilda. Not always in tune, but a bloody good try. We signed the visitor’s book, before starting the ceremony. Don introduced it, followed by some readings from some of us students, the teachers, the veterans and Tric. There was some lovely singing of Amazing Grace by Cara, and an amazing version of Flanders Fields by Georgia. The Consul, John and George lay the wreath, before our ceremony came to a close. Lone Pine is a beautiful cemetery. It commemorates the missing, and those buried there.

We visited a few cemeteries today, we went to the Nek, Shell Green and the 57th Regiment Cemetery, which is for the Turkish. I believe that was one of the most important cemeteries we will visit. War was just as bad for them as it was for us. In fact, the 57th regiment came out of the battle of the landing with only 22 still alive.
We were told when we were visiting the New Zealand Cemetery that we were to have a very solemn mood. So that’s how we were feeling when we got off the bus, however, when we got to the entrance to the cemetery, Bennett, Chloe, Zahn, Sachdave, Jayden and Alexis stood in front of us for a very serious presentation. So boy, was it a bloody big shock when they broke out into the Hakka.
This sounds like a pretty sad day, visiting cemeteries over and over. But the people here are just hilarious. We have been singing non-stop, laughing about everything and becoming best friends. Bennett taught me how to skim a rock today, and I can proudly say I skimmed a rock from a barge in the sea at ANZAC Cove. That’s something you can’t do every day.
George sang us some very cute songs today, to cap off his hilarious faces. Is it obvious that I am loving every minute???
Anyway, early start tomorrow, I don’t want to be tired for the big day.
Maddy.
P.S THE FOOD HERE IS AMAZING!!!!