Our Wartime Heroes
A crack shot, Harry saw action as a sniper on Gallipoli. He was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry at Pozieres, France. “A straight, honest man and a fearless fighter.”
The 54th Royal Engineers arrived on Gallipoli on the 10th August, 1915. Percy was soon to encounter the failings of those in command.
Percy was 100 at the time of recording by the Bunbury Oral History Group. His memory was sharp and clear. Such as of the time when he realised that bombs no longer came only from land.
Percy was a sapper with the Royal Engineers. One day he was sent out on a 'nice' job to help in the mining of Hill 60, a strategic area. Nerves of steel were required.
Bully Beef and Flies added to the hell of Gallipoli
Snowing on Gallipoli and it was no time to be caught without shelter.
Percy was an East Ender, a tough upbringing that no doubt helped him survive on Gallipoli. He also knew that there were times that officers shouldn't be obeyed.
As the 75th anniversary of the Anzac landing neared, Percy was determined to attend the ceremony at Gallipoli.
At his age, negotiating the crowds at Gallipoli on the occasion of the 75th anniversary, was always going to be a struggle.
Sister with the Australian Army Nursing Service. Her story is typical of the nurses in the World Wars - heavy workloads and shocking injuries.
