A special band concert is being staged on Tuesday, May 12th to raise funds for an Isle of Man County Royal British Legion visit to Turkey to mark the centenary of the Gallipoli campaign during World War I.
The Legion’s Dave Llewellyn is travelling to Gallipoli to attend a ceremony at the Cape Helles Memorial on April 25th and will lay wreaths and crosses at six other memorials and cemeteries. Mr Llewellyn is driving a van to Turkey to carry the wreaths and crosses and the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is proud to support his journey by covering travel costs between the Isle of Man and England.
The concert will be hosted by Castletown & District Royal British Legion and starts at 7.30pm on May 12th in the Civic Centre in Castletown, featuring Castletown Silver Band and guests. Tickets cost £2.50 (including light refreshments) and will be available on the door.
The invasion of the Gallipoli peninsula started on 25th April 1915, with the Isle of Man Roll of Honour listing 39 men who lost their lives there. The campaign claimed almost half a million lives on both sides, and ultimately the Allies failed to take the peninsula.
Mr Llewellyn said: ‘I am taking wreaths from all the British Legion branches on the Island, the Royal Naval Association, the Isle of Man Government and the President of Tynwald. I’ve also heard from several relatives of Manxmen who lost their lives at Gallipoli and I will be honoured to lay wreaths and crosses for them, as we remember the bravery of all those who died during the Gallipoli campaign.
‘The concert is taking place after Cape Helles ceremony, but it will be an opportunity for Island residents to pay their respects and the proceeds from the night will go towards covering the Legion’s costs for the visit.’
Castletown & District Royal British Legion Chairman Jim Cottier said: ‘We are happy to lend our support for this venture and it’s fitting that we remember our comrades who gave their lives during this campaign.’
Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward added: ‘We are proud to support the memorial visit to Gallipoli, and the fundraising concert promises to be a wonderful tribute to everyone who fought there.’
Royal British Legion’s Dave Llewellyn (centre) pictured with Steam Packet Company Sales Development Manager Brian Convery and Marketing and Online Manager Renée Caley
