9th May, 2005

Ben Holt, 32, is an Australian living in London where he works as a conference organiser for health care professionals on the subject of diabetes. Among the thousands of Australians who recently attended the memorial service at Gallipoli on Anzac Day, he spoke with Sight's SALLY HOLT about his trip...

Why did you want to make the trip to Gallipoli? 
“The main reason that I wanted to visit Gallipoli was because both grandfathers fought in World War I. Although neither of them fought at Gallipoli, there was still something that drew me to the place. I also think that Gallipoli and the Anzac spirit is such a part of the Australian way of life. There is so much that we stand for as a people that is grounded in the Anzac traditions.  To go to a place that in my mind defines what it means to be an Australian was quite an honour.”

ANZAC COVE: Thousands of Australians gathered to remember the fallen at a dawn service. PICTURES: Ben Holt.    "I think that young Australians have a such a desire to experience something real. Something with substance that they can believe in. The world has robbed us of anything real as we strive to satisfy ourselves with things that just don’t matter. I really believe that the trip to Gallipoli is very much like a spiritual pilgrimage. It’s a trip to discover ourselves, but also to discover who we are in a much wider context. To give us some meaning to our lives."

In campaign terms, Gallipoli was a disaster, yet it is revered and respected by many Australians as the focal point of WWI. Why do you think this is?
“It’s funny, that confused quite a few of the Turkish people that I spoke to. They don’t understand why we would celebrate a defeat. And yet, it is the moment that seems to define our understanding of WWI. The Gallipoli campaign seemed to define us as a people. We were only a very young country and it instilled values in us that remain to this day. The values of mateship, a fair go for all, striving through adversity are still key to what it means to be an Australian. I think that Gallipoli speaks so much about the cost of war. That Aussies and Kiwis were prepared to travel around the other side of the war to fight a battle that they didn’t really understand speaks volumes. I don’t think that Australians have a naïve view about war, and I think that Gallipoli has been responsible for this.”

Can you explain the growing interest it holds for young Australians?
“I thought a lot about this while I was at Anzac Cove - why are all these people drawn to this place? I think that young Australians have a such a desire to experience something real. Something with substance that they can believe in. The world has robbed us of anything real as we strive to satisfy ourselves with things that just don’t matter. I really believe that the trip to Gallipoli is very much like a spiritual pilgrimage. It’s a trip to discover ourselves, but also to discover who we are in a much wider context. To give us some meaning to our lives. Anzac Day has certainly replaced Easter as the one day with real significance.”

What were your first impressions?
“I was a little stunned by the terrain at Anzac Cove. I had always imagined it must have been a bad place to try and land, but my imagination did the place no justice. The site where the Anzacs actually landed was just a sheer cliff face and the surrounding country side seemed like some of the harshest I’ve ever seen. It’s amazing to think that the cove was only protected by about 70 Turks, yet they were able to hold off the invaders so successfully.”

NIGHT TIME VIGIL: Camping out in anticipation of the following morning's service and (below), Ben Holt in his sleeping bag.

What impact did the event have on you both spiritually and emotionally?
“I have had the privilege of visiting a number of war sites while I’ve been over here in London. I’ve seen Auschwitz, Pozierres, Yper, the Somme and now Gallipoli. Every time they touch me at a very deep and real level. It always amazes me to see such beautiful places that seem so distant from war and bloodshed. And yet man is capable of such horrific violence against man. I’ve been able to see places where my grandfathers fought and were injured. That always trips me out a little. It’s amazing how emotional it can be to go to places like that even though I didn’t know either of them.”

There has been comment in the Australian media about the entertainment that was provided, the crowd behaviour and rubbish left behind.  What is your perspective?
“To be honest, I was totally shocked to read the newspaper reports from Australia when I got back to London. It was like the press had been at a totally different event to the one that I had attended. I was amazed with how well the crowd behaved. I went in expecting the behaviour to be pretty bad, but was blown away by how well behaved everybody was. There were some people that were drunk, but this was certainly a very small minority. Most of the young people were just there to enjoy the occasion and were extremely well behaved...”

What is your strongest memory of the trip?
“I’d seriously have to say that I don’t think that I’ve ever been more proud to be an Australian than at the Australian memorial at Lone Pine. I welled up with tears a couple of times. To see the Australian crowd giving standing ovations to all the veterans (both Aussie and Turkish) was something really special to be a part of. It was also quite amazing to see the Australian crowd hold the service in reverence, but still to do that in Australian way. I know that the Mexican wave has copped a bit of flak, but it was so refreshing to see something that clearly meant so much to so many (you wouldn’t make that journey if it didn’t), but a reluctance to let the pomp get in the way of the meaning.”