1965 pilgrimage
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
- 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. All were from Hawick:
- 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
Also present on the Pilgrimage was Robert W. Deans, 99 Weensland 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.
Itinerary: Outward Journey
7th May 1965
9:30 - Assemble at Victoria Station (London) barrier of platform No 7
10.30 - Depart from Victoria Station (or relief train). Seats reserved Victoria to Dover
11:57 - Arrive Dover
12.50 - Depart Dover on cross-channel ship
14:10 - Arrive Calais
14:37 - Depart Calais (seats reserved Calais to Paris)
18:47 - Arrive Paris (Lyon). Change platforms to depart on the Simplon Orient Express
19:28 - Depart Paris (Lyon). Couchettes reserved fom Paris to Venice
8th May 1965
08:50 - Arrive Venice (SL). Upon arrival in Venice, transfer of passengers and luggage by local agents direct to ship by 10.30. Day free until ship departs.
SS Atreus - a total of 2611 miles
Day Date Ports of Call Arrive Depart
Sat. May 08 Venice - 17:00
Sun. May 09 At sea - -
Mon. May 10 Corfu 08:00 13:00
Tue. May 11 Piraeus 07:00 18:00
Wed. May 12 Salonika 13:00 24:00
Thu. May 13 Mudros 10:00 12:00
Fri. May 14 Istanbul 08:00 After Bosphorus
Sat. May 15 Istanbul - 19:00
Sun. May 16 Chanakkale 07:00 -
Mon. May 17 Chanakkale - 20:00
Tue. May 18 Dikili 06:00 -
Tue. May 18 Kusadasi - 20:00
Tue. May 18 Samos 21:30 24:00
Wed. May 19 Delos 07:00 10:00
Wed. May 19 Mykonos 11:00 13:00
Wed. May 19 Piraeus 19:30 -
Thu. May 20 Itea 07:00 23:00
Fri. May 21 At Sea - 13:00
