MEHMET ÖZTÜRK (Biga-Gurcesme Village)
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I returned from war in ten years. At first, I was in the Gallipoli front. I was a gunner. The enemy marched on Arabia after they failed to pass the Gallipoli. I went to Baghdad, where we fight against the English. Later, we have struggled against the French in Adana. At last, we came to Haymana and chased the Greek. I was born in 1894. I am eighty-seven years old.

In the Gallipoli, I was a gunner. I was in the 5th Division.

 MEHMET ÖZTÜRK

Our position was near Suvla. I have fought in Y Beach, for three months. The enemy failed to pass either from the sea or from the land.

I was in 5th Army, 8th Regiment, 2nd Division, 5th Squad. Ataturk was the Group commander, in Suvla. He often came to see us. Our Captain was Tahsin Bey. Ataturk always said the same to him:

-Praiseworthy, Tahsin! Wonderful. You trained them very well.

Later I was sent to Arabia and the other fronts. During the Natioanal Independence War, I have fought everywhere. Ataturk was the commander-in-chief. He gave me my medal.

When I was recruited, I was three months married. I returned home after ten years. I had five daughters and a son. Later my son was murdered. I never wounded. My wife had passed away so many years ago. My eyes can’t see. I had an operation from one of my eyes. It rarely sees, now. They invite to Canakkale commemoration ceremonies. I can’t go. How can go with these blind eyes...
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