Gallipoli surrendering secrets
Nearly a century after the first Anzacs landed, the hills of Gallipoli are still surrendering their secrets.
Now, a mission to uncover the hidden relics left behind by our Diggers is bringing the past to life.
Thirteen archeologists and historians from Australia, New Zealand and Turkey have been scouring the bush for remnants from the past.
Amazingly, in the short time 7News joined them, they have recovered bullets, parts of food cans, tools and barbed wire.
Professor Tony Sagona said: “After 100 years you can still find remnants of the battle and we can still make out in many ways what went on.”
They are also mapping out the extensive network of trenches, with 14 kilometres plotted so far.
Historian Richard Reid said: “I like to think that all these people talk about walking in the footsteps of the Anzacs well we're doing it in a very very literal way: we're going into the trenches they built.”
It is the final season of a five-year project, and previously they have found 1000 artefacts, including bayonets and water bottles with bullet holes still in them.
Team leader Simon Harrington said: “The one that really surprised us was we found a boot. Now that is made of leather and has survived 100 years. How did that happen?.”
Anzacs occupied the Hill during the entire eight months of the Gallipoli campaign.
They were constantly under attack from the Turkish snipers in the hills behind and that is why this is such fertile ground for the survey team.
It all makes telling the story of the Anzacs so much more personal.
The artefacts will end up in a Turkish museum, with the work reinforcing a stark reality.
“You realise what I guess what a tragic place it all is,” Added Professor Sagona.
