We have some wonderful news to share from one of our long standing members, Valmai Holt MBE.

Dear Gallipoli Association.

What an extemely interesting Newsletter.

I have some very good news too. I have been honoured with becoming 'A Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)' - 'For services to Military History and War Commemoration'. This Award was asked for by my family and friends while Tonie was still alive but they were told that one Honour could not be given to two people. After Tonie sadly died on 5 September 2024 they tried again and this is the result. Of course I am treating this as if Tonie was also included. As you will know we did everything together - with our Battlefield Tours and book writing etc. We had been together since I was 17 (I had my 90th birthday on 23 December last year) and he was 20. We were married in 1958.

Our first Battlefield Tour took place in 1977 - to Ypres, The Somme and Normandy. Gradually we were asked for visits to battlefields around the world, including Gallipoli. When we started our first visit to plan a tour there things were very different from what they are today. Several areas, including Cemeteries, were still restricted by the Turkish Military, notably Lancashire Landing/W Beach. Happily we were greated by the Main Army officer and he designated Lieutenant Gunes and his team to take us not only to the restricted areas but to give us tours round many other interesting areas. CWGC Superindentents like John Price were equally helpful.

Gradually the Turkish began to take more interest in the area and built museums and monuments, soon to be followed by the Australians to the extent that soon the British - and the French, who had almost twice as many casualties as the Australians - were almost ignored. In the 75th Anniversary of the campaign the British Ambassador was not even invited.

Having, sadly, not being able to visit for some years I wonder if things have evened out again. Tonie and I were both often asked which was our favourite battlefield. My answer always was - and still is - Gallipoli. I loved the tortoises that walked along the road and the protective sheepdogs; the beautiful trees in the cemeteries, lovely walks such as Gully Ravine, the views across the seas over Imbros and Walker's Ridge, the beautiful flowers, such as orchids; the craggy rocks like The Sphinx, the walk along Kirectepe Ridge - and so much more ...

Best wishes, Valmai Holt.

The illustations are:

1. Lieutenant Gunes, Turkish Military Historian at Lala Baba CWGC Cemetry.

2. Wreath-laying at the Helles Memorial Cemetery, 25 April by Tonie and Valmai Holt.

3. Group on Kirecterse Ridge. Second from right John Price, (CWGC Superintendent), on the right Valmai Holt.

3. Winston Churchill's grandson being given a lift on Valmai Holt's bus, having missed his own at Helles Memorial, 25 April.