New Zealand marks centenary of grim battle in Turkey
Xinhua, August 5, 2015 Adjust font size:
New Zealand government ministers at home and in Turkey will this weekend mark the centenary of one of the country's bloodiest battles of the World War One.
Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Maggie Barry said Wednesday that the Battle of Chunuk Bair, fought against the Ottoman Empire in what is now Turkey's Gallipoli peninsula, would be marked at the Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington.
On Aug. 8, 1915, New Zealand troops took the heights of Chunuk Bair in a night attack, but they were driven back in fierce fighting two days later.
New Zealand suffered almost 2,500 casualties, including over 800 dead, in the battle.
"As we remember those who died and stretch out a hand to the grief of their families, it is a reminder that our former foe Turkey is now a firm friend," Barry said in a statement.
"The peninsula we fought over has become a place where, through the generosity of the Turks, we can now all come together to commemorate the tragedy, which had such a profound effect on both our countries."
Veterans Affairs Minister Craig Foss would attend a New Zealand ceremony at Chunuk Bair itself on Aug. 8.
Hundreds of other New Zealanders were expected to attend the ceremony too, Foss said in a statement. Endi