The ANSDFO Visit to Gallipoli, 2–6 October 2025 

By Thomas Iredale 

In early October 2025, I was with twenty two other members and friends of the Association Nationale pour le Souvenir des Dardanelles et Fronts d’Orient (ANSDFO), who undertook a commemorative pilgrimage to Gallipoli, marking the 110th anniversary of the campaign. Though not a battlefield tour in the traditional sense, the journey blended remembrance, fellowship, and international cooperation—qualities that have long defined ANSDFO’s work and which resonate strongly with the Gallipoli Association’s own aims. 

Photo: Thomas Iredale pointing to inscription on the Helles Memorial for his grandfather PO Peter Iredale, Anson Bn RND, killed 28 May1915, with (L to R) Franck Roger, Fred Level, author, Eric Lambaré, and Laurent Castaing 

Preparations began well before departure. A WhatsApp group was created to share information, reminders, and—once the trip began—hundreds of photographs. At Charles de Gaulle Airport, where the group assembled at the decidedly early hour of 04:20, each participant received two items that set the tone for the days ahead: a commemorative cap and a beautifully produced 40 page A4 booklet. The booklet, in full colour, contained historical background and personal accounts of ancestors who had fought in the Dardanelles, including the story of my own grandfather. 

Photo: President Franck Roger (2nd from left) and others at French gun  

The group was led by several key figures within ANSDFO: President Franck Roger; Public Relations Officer and flagbearer Eric Lambaré; committee member Grégor Marchal; Treasurer and Salonika specialist Laurent Castaing; and David Amberg, custodian of the reconstructed trench at Chattancourt in Verdun. Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Eric Vicaire, greatgrandson of the captain of the cruiser Bouvet, attended in uniform and played a central role in the commemorations. 

Exploring the French Sector 

After arriving in Çanakkale on the evening of 2 October, the group began its programme early the next morning. The first day focused on Cape Helles and the French sector. Visits included Seddülbahir Castle, the grave of Colonel Doughty Wylie—where a short biography I had prepared was read aloud. Then we visited V Beach, the River Clyde, V Beach Cemetery, and the Helles Memorial. Many were moved to see my grandfather’s name inscribed on the latter memorial. 

Photo: ANSDFO group hearing the story about Lt Col Doughty-Wylie VC at his grave 

Lunch at the Cadde Restaurant in Alçıtepe provided a welcome pause before the afternoon’s visit to the French Cemetery. Here, flowers and flags were placed on selected graves. We were joined by GA members, Bill and Serpil Sellars, who guided the group through the French sector from the cemetery to the Quadrilateral. Bill’s deep knowledge and engaging commentary left a strong impression; for many, this was the highlight of the day. 

Photo: ANSDFO Group picture at French Cemetery

TriNational Commemoration at Gelibolu 

Saturday 4 October was devoted to the official 110th anniversary commemorations in Gelibolu, jointly organised by Gallipoli & Dardanelles International, ANSDFO, and Gelibolu Derneği. Despite a delay caused by wreath related logistics, we arrived just in time for the opening session at the Atatürk Cultural Centre. 

The morning programme included addresses by the Mayor of Gelibolu, Dr Ali Kamil Soyuak; the President of G&DI; and ANSDFO President Franck Roger. A slide presentation on the campaign by Brigadier General (Ret’d) Haldun Solmaztürk was followed by personal testimonies from descendants of soldiers who fought on all sides in 1915. These stories—French, Turkish, Australian, and British—captured the shared human experience of the campaign and the enduring bonds it has created. 

After lunch provided by the Gelibolu Municipality, the group travelled to three key memorials: the Turkish Abide, the French Cemetery, and the Helles Memorial. Each ceremony followed a solemn pattern: the Last Post, wreathlaying, a minute’s silence, and time for reflection. At the French Cemetery, the ANSDFO contingent marched behind their flag, led by Eric Lambaré, and concluded the ceremony with a stirring rendition of the Marseillaise. As the Royal Naval Division had fought alongside the French, Franck Roger suggested a photograph honouring my grandfather, taken beside his name on the Helles Memorial with the French flag and a Poilu reenactor in attendance. 

Photo: The French group at the Turkish Memorial, Abide

At Sea: Honouring the Fallen of the Navy 

Sunday’s programme centred on a threeandahalfhour boat trip along the Dardanelles. Though the vessel did not cross the mouth of the straits, it allowed the group to pay tribute at sea. At the nautical position 40°01'9.00" N 26°16'18.00" E, where the Bouvet was lost on 18 March 1915, Admiral Vicaire cast a wreath overboard in a moving ceremony. A second tribute followed at the site of the submarine Joule. Later that day, the group travelled to Istanbul, where the French Defence Attaché joined us for dinner near İstiklal. 

Photo: Admiral (Retd) Eric Vicaire, the great-grandson of Bouvet’s Captain, Rageot de la Touch, just before casting wreath over Bouvet’s position at 40°01'9.00" N 26°16'18.00" E, in the Dardanelles Straits 

Final Reflections 

The final morning was free, with some choosing to visit the French graves at Feriköy Cemetery before the return flight to Paris. Ten members of the group remained for an optional threeday extension in Istanbul. 

This pilgrimage demonstrated the strength of international remembrance and the enduring connections forged through shared history. For ANSDFO, as for the Gallipoli Association, the commitment to honouring the fallen—on land and at sea—remains as vital today as it was a century ago. 

Photo: Grégor Marchal (r) and Thomas Iredale (l) after the Helles Memorial commemoration