27 Feb 2015

Aucklanders asked to make Gallipoli tribute

5:24 pm on 27 February 2015

The head of the Auckland War Museum is encouraging Aucklanders to head down to Queen's Wharf today, to place a poppy on a tribute at the wharf's entrance.

The tribute is in a '100' shape, to mark the centenary of the Gallipoli campaign during the First World War, and will be placed on board the Cunard cruise liner the Queen Elizabeth as it sails to Gallipoli in Turkey.

The director of the Auckland War Memorial Museum Roy Clare said Cunard ships had been involved in troops going to war since early last century.

"Here on Queen's Wharf today people can put a poppy up, sign the commemorative book, and the gold coin donation to the RSA, and then the wall with the poppies is going to Gallipoli onboard the ship, which is just such a respectful, thoughtful idea."

A guest of honour on the liner, Herb Christophers, said it would be a poignant moment when the ship arrived at Gallipoli's shores.

"It's going to be very emotional... you can imagine standing alongside your friends, knowing full well that he or you may be the next to fall as you are going ashore. It would have been horrible - so, remembering that."

Mr Christophers grandfather and three great uncles died during First World War campaigns.

The ship will leave for Sydney at 7.30 tonight.

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