The Steam Packet Company is proud to support a visit by a representative from the Isle of Man County Royal British Legion to Turkey next month to mark the centenary of the Gallipoli campaign during World War I.
The invasion of the Gallipoli peninsula started on 25th April 1915 and the names of 39 men listed on the Isle of Man Roll of Honour lost their lives. The campaign claimed almost half a million lives on both sides, and ultimately the Allies failed to take the peninsula.
Dave Llewellyn will attend a ceremony at the Cape Helles Memorial and will lay wreaths and crosses at six other memorials and cemeteries. He is taking a van with him on the trip and would like to hear from any descendants of the Manx who lost their lives, and who would like him to lay a wreath or cross on their behalf.
Mr Llewellyn explained: ‘When researching the fallen on Ramsey War Memorial, I became fascinated by the events that occurred, the horrendous conditions that were endured, the primitive equipment available, the ingenuity and bravery of the men who were involved.
‘Having recently retired, I am taking the opportunity to mark this centenary by taking a road trip through Europe as far as Gallipoli with the aim of commemorating the sacrifice of the Great War. So far I have obtained wreaths from all the British Legion branches on the Island and from the Government and the President of Tynwald.
‘I particularly wish to offer the descendants of the men who fell at Gallipoli an opportunity to have a cross or wreath placed where these brave men are commemorated. I would like to express my gratitude to Isle of Man Steam Packet Company for its support for this trip and the many other occasions when they have supported services and veterans’ events.’
Ray Ferguson, County Chairman, Royal British Legion, said: ‘The legion thoroughly endorses Dave’s efforts on behalf of the fallen. We wish him well on his journey.’
Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘We are proud to support the Isle of Man County Royal British Legion and assist with Mr Llewellyn travel. This is a fitting tribute to the troops who fought at Gallipoli and I’m sure his kind gesture of taking wreaths and crosses to the memorials will be much appreciated by the families of the Isle of Man men who lost their lives.’
Any families of Manx soldiers who fought in Gallipoli can contact Mr Llewellyn via email – [email protected] – or by calling 453817.
