And So We Will Walk

Because We Came Looking

The 10th went forward to meet death instantly, as the 8th had done, the men running as swiftly and as straight as they could at the Turkish rifles. With that regiment went the flower of the youth of Western Australia, sons of the old pioneering families, youngsters – in some cases two and three from the same home…Men known and popular, the best loved leaders in sport and work in the West, then rushed straight to their death. Gresley Harper and Wilfred, his younger brother, the latter of whom was last seen running forward like a schoolboy in a foot-race, with all the speed he could compass.

(Bean, C.E.W., The Official History Of Australia In The War Of 1914-1918: Volume II, The Story Of Anzac: From 4 May, 1915 To The Evacuation, Angus and Robertson, Sydney, 1938, pp. 617-618.)

Gallipoli (1981) from director Peter Weir…The Water Diviner (2014) from Russell Crowe and one other to watch, Tolga Ornek’s documentary film Gallipoli (2005). Three films – their storytelling and open heart envisioned by three directors guides my anticipated return to Gelibolu’s (Gallipoli’s) water’s edge and rough-hewn landscapes.

And so, we will walk…and we will climb…the ascent escalating and our descent an equal challenge to balance…fleet of foot countered by sure of foot. To our eyes and imaginations, we will be shown much that our group seeks…ridges of conflict…hilltops and gullies…the landings…the fallen…the remembrance and the litter of war. There will be operational history and pilgrim sites.

Film brought me here. Thirteen years have passed since my lens last scanned these views. I have changed, my interests, in the way I seek remembrance are different, finding evocative connection…the shot that stands above all. I hope to connect to familiar but also new audiences many of whom never met a Great War veteran… I know better now what I seek – I know better when I see it – but I await with eagerness whose voice the image will tell. To find new breath here in all these places of the sun is a fine reward.

Having followed new friends amongst these places of hurt; we fortunate few will afterwards share good food and drink, stories of why we have chosen this trek. Sharing (because we came looking), known lives, knowledge, and stories. Perhaps after the sun rests for its day a tune will rise, not unlike those once heard here before, but unlike all those who left this plain before their time we will have our time to rest, to wake, and start the song – the trek – another day…

The Harper Brothers

Both Gresley Harper (age 31) and his brother Wilfred Lutkin Harper (age 25) served as Troopers with the 10^th Australian Light Horse. The sons of Charles and Fanny Harper of Perth, Western Australia the brothers enlisted together, service numbers 113 and 114. Both brothers were lost on 7 August 1915 and are commemorated on the Lone Pine Memorial, Gallipoli.