Doreen, 100, Reflects on Gallipoli Veteran, ‘Uncle Les’

Anzac Day holds a special significance for Mrs Doreen Pope (100) of Oakbank, as she remembers her Uncle Les, a returned serviceman who fought – and survived – at Gallipoli.

"Uncle Les was on the first wave at Gallipoli, and survived," says Mrs Pope.

"He was in the Third Light Horse, and he had only spent a week abroad before being very badly injured and shipped back home."

"He lived with us for several years after the war."

"I was only a little girl, but I remember him talking about 'shrapnel gully.'"

Thanks to her family connection, in 2015, Mrs Pope was chosen in the ballot to travel to Gallipoli for the 100^th anniversary of the beach landing.

Her daughter, Margaret, says, "Mum went on a ship full of dignitaries and celebrities, including Darryl Braithwaite, Kate Cerebrano, Ross Wilson, Bruce Woodley and Normie Rowe."

"The ship was moored in the bay on Anzac Day, and mum watched the ceremony from there."

"The hill was a bit much for me," says Mrs Pope; "I mean, I was 97."

"I always remember how we had all caught this awful cough while we were on the boat," she continues.

"However, during the two minute’s silence, there wasn’t a sound from anyone. The respect shown was incredible."

"Everyone on board that boat had a personal connection to Gallipoli, so we were an odd bunch of people, who never would have met usually."

On the way back from Gallipoli, the ship stopped in Egypt, where the group visited the pyramids. Mrs Pope remembers being carried to the Pharoah’s tomb by two "very nice" men, whom she later realised was Darryl Braithwaite and Normie Rowe!

Mrs Pope lives independently in her home at Oakbank, with support from Resthaven Murray Bridge, Hills & Community Services.

Find out more about Resthaven.