Page 39 - QARANC Vol 14 No 9 2014

THE GAZETTE QARANC 37
Shrapnel Gulley and Monash Valley. As we walked the path we had first-hand experience of the terrain and we contemplated how incredibly difficult even simple tasks like moving supplies around and medivac of the wounded must have been, often whilst under direct/indirect fire. We concluded that these tasks must have been just as dangerous as being on the front line of fighting. The scenery around this area is very picturesque today, so we could only imagine the horror that faced the soldiers who fought here. Upon completion of the walk we returned to the hotel mid-afternoon. Here we began a series of presentations from our own 201 (N) Fd Hosp personnel who had been tasked some months earlier. The presentations provided much food for thought covering a whole array of issues such as psychological effects of the campaign.
Due to the temperatures being very hot in Gallipoli at this time of year and wishing to avoid walking in the midday sun, Saturday was planned as an early start. After breakfast we made our way by coach back to ANZAC cove, only this time we walked along Rhododendron Ridge to Chunuk Bair. The afternoon saw us return to TJs Hotel to continue with the presentations from unit members.
On the Sunday we were taken to Kiretch Tepe Ridge, this was also very difficult terrain however, the walk concluded with lunch and a very welcome dip in the sea at Suvla Beach. Sadly, this concluded the Gallipoli part of the study period and the following day we made our way to Istanbul to focus our thoughts upon the next stage of our study period – the role of nurses and the Crimean War.
Tuesday was a very special day, particularly for the QARANC personnel, we had the privilege of visiting Selimiye Barracks which is the site of Scutari Hospital the hospital where Florence Nightingale was based during the Crimean War. Once inside we were escorted to a small museum and the personal quarters of Florence Nightingale. Her room has been well preserved and includes a bronze statue of the lady
and her lamp visiting a wounded soldier. Unfortunately taking photographs inside the barracks is forbidden however, we were fortunate in that the barracks had their own photographer and they kindly agreed to take some photos.
After our visit to Selimiye Barracks, the padre conducted a very poignant service in the cemetery close to the barracks, a group of us then took a ferry ride to contemplate the view the soldiers must have had of the hospital as they approached from the sea. Additionally, the venue for lunch afforded us a unique view of the world famous Blue Mosque where earlier we had had a group photograph taken.
After our visit to the Blue Mosque there was the opportunity for some free time, this was the ideal opportunity for us to explore independently Istanbul and its amazing historical culture. Sadly, this was the end of our study period and the next day we left Istanbul for home.
So, what did I take from this study period? Foremost, there was a vast amount of learning enabling a much greater understanding of both the Gallipoli Campaign and nursing during the Crimean War. Also, visiting the sites of battle enabled the group to experience, first- hand, the terrain and climate and how it impacted on the battle, the wounded, the med plan and the logistical chain. The experience was enriched greatly by the addition of two British historians accompanying us on our tour, also our learning was further enhanced with the presence of a Turkish guide who gave us the Turkish perspective. The combination of all three guides gave us a very rounded historical account.
2015 will be the 100th Anniversary of the Battle for Gallipoli, it was a great privilege to visit this fascinating part of Turkey on the eve of its centenary year. Additionally, having the opportunity to visit the site of Scutari hospital will be a memory that we will treasure and will not be forgotten.
Major G Hynam QARANC
201 (N) Fd Hosp.