NZDF team finds WWI battlefield remains in Gallipoli, pays tribute

Almost 107 years after the end of World War I, a New Zealand Defence Force team in Türkiye for ANZAC Day commemorations reburied the battlefield remains, which were unearthed in the Gallipoli Peninsula. The remains, located near the Chunuk Bair memorial along the Apex, were exposed after wildfires in August 2024 caused by an electrical malfunction. Later on heavy rains disturbed the soil and exposed some of the historic trenches in the area.

The NZDF, in collaboration with local authorities and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, decided to leave the remains in place. John McLeod, leading the New Zealand commemorations, emphasized the importance of honoring the site as a sacred resting place for soldiers from all sides.

New Zealand soldiers were stationed in the area around the Apex along with British forces from August 1915 onwards where the remains were discovered. The units fought pitched battles against the Ottoman forces which attacked them after occupying Chunuk Bair.


McLeod added that because of the large number of soldiers from both sides who died on the battlefield in the area, any attempt to remove them would do more damage and harm the site.

Poppies were laid, silence was observed, a karakia and The Ode were recited, and the Last Post was played as part of the team's traditions.

Recognising the peninsula as a huge graveyard where numerous warriors lie side by side, visitors are urged to either gently cover or leave any exposed remains undisturbed.

Concern over the harm to these historic locations was voiced by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.