Annual Prayer Service on ‘Turkish Martyrs Day’ at Brookwood Cemetery in Woking Surrey 18 March 2016

This year’s ceremony took place at the gravesides of 14 young Turkish servicemen who were killed during World War 2. It was well attended with a large number of mainly Turkish people. Although cold it fortunately remained fine.

This annual service remembers 18th March 1915 when the British and French fleet failed in their attempt to breach the narrows at Canakkale/Gallipoli which was a victory for the defenders.

The ceremony was let by H.E. The Turkish Ambassador Abdurrahman Bilgic who thanked the Mayor of Woking Cllr Derek McCrum who was present, for caring for the Turkish graves. He was followed by the army Attache Colonel Mehmet Calkayis. Prayers then followed after which flowers and wreaths were laid. President John Crowe who was also present laid a wreath on behalf of G&DI.