Letter from Turkish soldiers in 1915

Letter relating to the First World War service of Major Leslie George Fussell, 17th Battalion, Gallipoli. The letter was written by Turkish soldiers expressing their thanks for a tin of bully beef that had been thrown into their trenches by Major Fussell at Quinn's Post whilst instructing his men in the art of bomb throwing.

Letter from Turkish soldiers

Letter from Turkish soldiers Source: AWM

The action was misinterpreted by the Turks as a friendly gesture who returned this note along with a parcel of tobacco thanking the Australians for their thoughtful gift of preserved meat. The note is written in French. Also included is a photocopy of newsclipping from the Melbourne "Argus" (1934) giving an account of the story and a translation of the note.


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By Ismail Kayhan

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Letter from Turkish soldiers in 1915 | SBS Turkish