After a nasty accident that caused severe brain injury I spent seven weeks in hospital and at ABI rehabilitation. Now thanks to the teams at both places I’m well on the way to recovery. Back home again and ready to post on my blog.
One of the most annoying aspects is that with brain injury driving licences are suspended for six months, until a doctor certifies you can drive. So currently I’m very dependent on family, friends and Driving Miss Daisy to take me around.
On Tuesday this week my No 3 grandson Drew took me to our National Museum, Te Papa (Our Place in Maori) to see the Gallipoli Exhibition This tells the story of the landings on April 25. 1915
On that day, thousands of young men, far from their homes, stormed the beaches on the Gallipoli Peninsula in what is now Turkey.
For eight long months, New Zealand troops, alongside those from Australia, Great Britain and Ireland, France, India, and Newfoundland battled harsh conditions and Ottoman forces desperately fighting to protect their homeland.
By the time the campaign ended, more than 130,000 men had died: at least 87,000 Ottoman soldiers and 44,000 Allied soldiers, including more than 8700 Australians. Among the dead were 2779 New Zealanders, about a sixth of all those who had landed on the peninsula.
New Zealand sent more men to fight in the First World War per head of population than any other nation. Of those killed, almost a third were buried half a world away in unmarked graves.
This exhibition tells the story from the standpoint of those young men. It is incredibly detailed and we are shown where they stood their ground against an incredible army of Turks. We see how they lived and we hear readings of letters home.
One of the standout officers was Lieutenant-Colonel William Malone (1859-1915) , a Stratford farmer and lawyer, who commanded the Wellington Battalion at Gallipoli. The Wellington Battalion landed at Anzac Cove on 25-26 April 1915. Malone soon began to impose order, transforming weak defensive positions along the Anzac perimeter into strong garrisons. Between June and August, he helped consolidate critical positions at Courtney’s Post and Quin’s Post. Just one of many no doubt.
And each year on April 25 Australians and New Zealanders commemorate this battle with a Public Holiday. ANZAC DAY
I am so glad you are on the mend. Wondered what happened to you. The Gallipoli Exhibition looks amazing. I have read about this terrible loss of life. Blessings to all those who lost loved ones. Take care, I am sure you will be driving again soon. ❤
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Thanks Darlene. I continue to be amazed at this body in which we live and its powers of healing. Had to call on all my powers of positive thinking for a while there but it’s now coming right. JX
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Oh my. Hope you feel better each day. Thank you for sharing the Exhibition with us.
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Hi Ruth. Thanks for reading. It’s good to be back with my blogging friends again
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how good to hear that you are on your way back –
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Thanks for reading and commenting. Yes I’m getting better day by day
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Oh my, Judith! I wondered where you were and thought maybe you were of on a travel adventure. Happy to hear you are recovering and back with us again. I missed you.
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Hello Patricia. Well it’s been a journey of sorts and am working towards the end. Thanks for the good wishes. Most appreciated
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Glad to hear you are back and doing well. I am familiar with that military action in Turkey as I was there to visit Antalya and Istanbul when my husband had 2 six months contracts flying. Such a waste of human life, we humans cause through war.
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Thanks Donna it’s a very big thing here and Commemorated each year.
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You are so lucky to have come through such a serious injury Judith and I feel so lucky to be communicating with you like this again! I truly did enjoy your trip to the Galipoli museum too. And I admire how you categorized your visit and photographed what you were seeing. Thanks for taking us along! 🙂
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Hi again Dor and thanks forbearing and for the comment. Each day things get just that little bit better. It’s only all upwards now,
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What a horrific thing war is, was, ever shall be. I didn’t know you folks used the poppy as a symbol of Remembrance as well as we do.
Be gentle with your precious self as you continue to heal.
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Yes and we learn nothing. We keep doing the same things in the same way and are surprised at the result. I’m taking life really easy at present and looking after myself Thanks for your kind wishes
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Oh, I just thought you were on some new adventure as I had not seen posts from you. I am so glad that you are recovering and able to attend this exhibition and post about it. The poppy is used here also or rather was more used in the past. May you continue to recover with a positive spirit! Take care!
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Well I guess it has been an adventure but not one I would recommend. I’m getting better day by day and moving towards a full recovery. Thank you for caring.
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So sorry to hear of your accident, Judith. You were so full of plans! Hope you are soon fully recovered. 🙂
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Thanks Jo. Rather slower than I was but each day is better than the one before.
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That’s good to hear 🙂
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I’m glad you’re able to post again, Judith. Aren’t our bodies wonderfully made! And those who understand its inner workings and help us get back on our feet are nothing short of a blessing.
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Thanks Patti. It’s not easy but nowhere near as hard as I thought it would be Thanks for yor comment.
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