Voyage to Gallipoli

Britain declared war against Germany on 4 August 1914. Voyage to Gallipoli maritime historian Peter Plowman takes the story from the planning stages and the requisition of ships through to the Gallipoli landing of 25 April 1915. On 1 November 1914 the convoy left St George's Sound Albany. 36 ships. In Perth two more joined the fleet making it the largest collection of ships yet organised, about to travel the greatest distance and carry the largest number of troops in a single movement up to that time. The book gives details of the transports, the troops, the conditions, the original ports of departure, and the dangers faced. Using diaries (some never before published) and other primary source material the author brings to life the extraordinary trip. The troops were originally meant to go to England before going to the Western Front. It was only when they reached Egypt that it was decided to divert them to Gallipoli. Details of the conversion of the ships, the accommodation, not just for the men, but the horses, are given. First hand descriptions of life on board from the perspective of a range of people, from nurses to stewards to officers and other ranks, fill out the picture. Men and horses came from: Queensland -- 2206 men and 1146 horses; New South Wales -- 7093 men and 2497 horses; Victoria -- 7912 men and 2949 horses; South Australia -- 1637 men and 1011 horses; Tasmania -- 897 men and 275 horses; West Australia -- 1784 men and 4 horses. There were nurses and doctors as well. 2014 is the 100th anniversary of their departure.