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Hawick Callants Club |
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GALLIPOLI PILGRIMAGE
Introduction
25th April 1965 marked the 50th Anniversary of the Gallipoli Landings. During the course of this campaign the Hawick Territorials of the 1/4th Battalion KOSB suffered the most grievous losses, especially on the 12th July 1915. Few battles have spread grief more widely through the homes of Hawick. Due to the expense involved, and the difficulties in reaching the Gallipoli Peninsula, it was impossible for survivors to visit the graves of their fallen comrades. On the occasion of this anniversary, a reunion cruise had been arranged affording the opportunity, in cooperation with the Turkish War Veterans Association, of visiting the war cemeteries and memorial of 1915 in Gallipoli.
After discussions, The Galliopli Comrades Association accepted an offer from the Callants Club to appeal for funds to enable representatives to make this pilgrimage.
On 12th January 1965, the Callants Club President J.T.Peacock and W.G.R. Robertson, Secretary, wrote various local organisations, businesses and individuals appealing for funds to enable members of the Gallipoli Comrades Association to take part in this Pilgrimage. The appeal had the approval of the Provost and Town Clerk and the support of local ex-servicemens associations. The Burgh Chamberlain, Mr Sam Wright, kindly consented to act as Honorary Treasurer.
The following were subscribers of £10 and over to the Gallipoli Anniversary Fund
Stuart Baxter, Pringle of Scotland Ltd, Hawick Rotary Club, Hawick Ex-Servicemens Association, Barrie Knitwear Ltd, John A Turnbull MBE, Wilson & Glenny Ltd, His Grace The Duke of Buccleuch, Hawick Town Council, A Cavers, James Renwick & Co Ltd, Kings Own Scottish Borders Association, British Legion – Hawick Branch and Trustees of British Legion, Gallipoli Comrades Association, W.G.R. Robertson, J. Aitken, Adam Inglis and Ernest Tait.
Over £600 was raised and as a result of all the generous donations, the following six members of the 1/4th Battalion KOSB, Gallipoli Comrades Association were selected by ballot to make the journey :-
Joseph Murray, 2 Dalkeith Place
Adam Buckham, Deanfield House
John M. Ballantyne, 1 Buccleuch Place
Charles Spalding, 6 Rosevale Street
William B Robson, 57 McLagan Drive
Thomas Jackson, 24 Laidlaw Place
all of Hawick.
Also present on the Pilgrimage was Robert W. Deans, 99Weensland Road.
The party left Hawick by train on Thursday 6th May arriving at St Pancras Station in London at 8.10am on Friday 7th May.
inerary