Today, the 25th of April 2008, is the 93rd anniversary of the landing of Commonwealth forces on the beaches at Gallipoli where for the next nine months they would fight one of World War I’s bloodiest campaigns. Australia and New Zealand commemorate the occasion annually as ANZAC Day (referring to the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps). The beaches and quiet green cemeteries around Anzac Cove, Turkey have become a popular pilgrimage at this time of year and attending one of the services here is definitely a unique and moving travel experience.
Keeping to the somber war time tone, Gerald Foe, one the latest people to share expertise and travel stories with us has written a review of Sandakan, another spot historically sullied by the suffering of Commonwealth forces. Once a notorious Prisoner of War camp, there is now a beautiful, peaceful natural park here, with a walk approaching a wooden cabin which has photos and stories from the camp (I went with my Mum in 2004 and we both appreciated the calm reverence of the surroundings.).
Another new expert with similar interests is Trent Rex who’s latest review for us is of The Bridge over the River Kwai.