The battleships destroyed the forts. We
were gun firing on them. They were gun firing on us. After we have sunk their two
battleships, they left the strait. However, the landing began. I was in the medical
division of 9th Regiment.
In Suvla, I was in the dressing station. We were doing the first aid
and sending the wounded to the hospitals. I have seen very badly wounded people form four
or five parts of their bodies. I have seen people whose legs or arms had come off. There
were people without nearly lost half of their bodies. Our commander was Galip Bey his rank
was major.
My brother was in the front too. He was wounded from his foot. It was
too bad. I took him to dressing station. His foot was horrible. In the dressing station,
there was a Christian doctor. I asked him to sign the papers, which were necessary to send
my brother to hospital. He said, left him here. Then I said “is he a carcass, what do
you mean, he needs care.” He singed. I took him to the boat. He went to Demetoka
Hospital. He returned home, never came back to front again.
I have stayed in Gallipoli front for three and a half years. Usually
both sides were fighting with bayonets. I remember one scene. It was horrible. I saw two
soldiers lying side by side, one Turkish the other one was English. They have killed each
other by biting from their veins.
The commander of our regiment was Sabri Bey. One day Ataturk came to
our regiment. In those days, the enemy was in the shore. I saw Ataturk many times. He was
in our regiment. His tent was near to the dressing station. One day, I have heard a
conversation between Ataturk and our commander:
Ataturk said.
- I wonder if we ask their lands. Do they ask our lands?
Regiment Commander answered.
Ataturk:
- Then why we attack and causing our soldiers to be broken down. Let them to attack on us.
Then we can reduce their forces and save ours.
Regiment Commander:
- Enver Pasha will come. Tell this to him.
We heard later that when Enver Pasha has come, Ataturk told him that.
Thus, they ended Turkish attacks.
I have wounded but it was not so serious.
When I had married, the infidels were still here. I have five children.
My child is taking care of me now. I don’t have a salary. One of my eyes can’t see. If
they would give me a salary, I will live better...
