The Harsh Reality of ANZAC POWs at Gallipoli: Treatment and Fatalities in Turkish Camps

The Gallipoli Campaign, fought between April 1915 and January 1916, saw around 2,500 Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) soldiers taken as prisoners of war (POWs) by the Ottomans. These ANZAC POWs faced extreme hardships and suffered significant fatalities.

Prisoners of War: An Overview of the Gallipoli Experience

Of the 2,500 ANZAC soldiers who became POWs during the Gallipoli Campaign, their treatment and living conditions differed greatly. Many endured harsh realities marked by overcrowding, poorly provisioned food, and inadequate medical care.

Overcrowding and Living Conditions

The overcrowding in these camps posed significant challenges. Prisoners often lacked shelter and proper sanitation facilities. Their living quarters were cramped, and the lack of proper housing led to suboptimal conditions that were ill-suited for survival during wartime.

Food and Water Shortages

A major problem faced by ANZAC POWs was the limited and often poor quality of food rations. Diet deficiencies were common, as was the lack of access to clean drinking water. These shortages left many prisoners malnourished and weakened, making them more vulnerable to illness and disease.

Absence of Medical Care

In addition to the inadequate diet, medical care for the sick and wounded was severely lacking. Prisoners often had to rely on improvised medical treatments due to a lack of necessary supplies and trained medical personnel. This made it difficult to manage widespread illnesses, which in turn contributed to higher mortality rates.

Based on historical records and reliable estimates, it is believed that around 400 ANZAC soldiers died in captivity during the Gallipoli Campaign. Many of these deaths were attributed to malnutrition, disease, and the harsh living conditions within the camps. It is noteworthy that despite these challenges, some Turkish officers showed a degree of humanity toward their POWs, offering a contrast to the widespread suffering faced by the majority.

First-Hand Accounts of POW Experiences

First-hand accounts from ANZAC POWs provide a stark picture of the harsh realities they encountered. Several instances and writings detail the experiences of these brave soldiers:

Diaries and Writings

Diary of Brown H. A., held at Mitchell Library ML MSS 5. AE2 Submarine POW Turkey. Diary of Richardson L.D., held at Mitchell Library ML MSS 2447. Signaller 1LHR. Anzac. Experiences as a POW in Turkey. Blood in the Mists by J. Halpin, published by Sydney Macquarie Head Press in 1934. Captives of the Turk by J. Halpin, published in Reveille RSSAILA NSW Branch in 1934. Pause On The Road To En-Dor by E. H. Jones, published by London Pan Books in 1955. A Prisoner With The Turks: 1915-1918 by R. F. Lushington, published by London Simpkin Marshall Hamilton Kent Co. Ltd in 1923. The Story of Harold Earl by L. H. Luscombe, published by Australian Brisbane W. R. Smith Paterson in 1970. Diary of Wheat J.H., held at Mitchell Library ML MSS 3054. AE2 Submarine POW Turkey. Guests of the Unspeakable by T. W. White, published by Sydney Angus Robertson in the 2nd Australian edition of 1935.

These accounts, written by survivors of the Gallipoli Campaign, offer invaluable insights into the experiences of ANZAC POWs and the overall treatment they received during their time in Turkish custody.

Conclusion

The experiences of ANZAC POWs at Gallipoli were marked by extreme hardship and suffering. Despite the occasional display of humanity by some Turkish officers, the overall treatment of these prisoners was harsh and often fatal. Their stories serve as a poignant reminder of the harsh realities faced during the Gallipoli Campaign and the enduring legacy of this significant aspect of ANZAC history.