1915-09

Sarpi Rest Camp established

Location

Sarpi Rest Camp was established on the north-western shore of Mudros Harbour. It was across a shallow inlet from Turks Head Peninsula, close to the pier at which the soldiers came ashore. To reach the camp, the men marched across the peninsula, through the inlet and up the slope.

Sarpi would have been welcome respite from the noise and horror of the frontline. As they regained their strength, the men resumed training and fatigue duties.

Rugby, football, cricket and ambling across the island were part of recuperation. There were also opportunities for socialising. One evening, an Australian brigade held a campfire concert to entertain New Zealand and Canadian comrades. The New Zealanders reciprocated.

In due course, they returned to the frontline.

Sarpi Rest Camp, on the slopes above the shore in the West Mudros area. — SARPI REST CAMP, ON THE SLOPES ABOVE THE SHORE IN THE WEST MUDROS AREA. nM7Bo6ZY STATE LIBRARY NSW

Taking a shortcut through shallows to reach Sarpi Rest Camp, seen in the background. — TAKING A SHORTCUT THROUGH SHALLOWS TO REACH SARPI REST CAMP, SEEN IN THE BACKGROUND. nM7Bo6ZY STATE LIBRARY NSW

Troops prepare to cross the inlet on their way to Sarpi Rest Camp from the pier. — TROOPS PREPARE TO CROSS THE INLET ON THEIR WAY TO SARPI REST CAMP FROM THE PIER. nM7Bo6ZY STATE LIBRARY NSW

The first Australian soldiers arrive from Gallipoli for a well-earned stay at Sarpi Rest Camp, escorted by an Indian soldier on horseback. J01605 - Australian War Memorial

Sarpi Rest Camp, West Mudros. — SARPI REST CAMP, WEST MUDROS. nM7Bo6ZY STATE LIBRARY NSW

The ‘canvas town’ of the rest camp, with 3AGH seen in the distance. — THE ‘CANVAS TOWN’ OF THE REST CAMP, WITH 3AGH SEEN IN THE DISTANCE. nM7Bo6ZY STATE LIBRARY NSW

Sarpi Rest Camp viewed from 3AGH. — SARPI REST CAMP VIEWED FROM 3AGH. nM7Bo6ZY STATE LIBRARY NSW

Preparing for the ‘billies’ at Sarpi Rest Camp. — PREPARING FOR THE ‘BILLIES’ AT SARPI REST CAMP. nM7Bo6ZY STATE LIBRARY NSW

‘This morning we heard the band playing. It was the 1st Brigade on its way back to Anzac after a rest. They came along the main street of our Hospital. We Sisters gather up all the cigarettes and chocolates and tins of food we can and throw them to the smiling faces as they march by. They are brave and apparently cheerful, though we all know how in their inner heart they dislike going back to all they remember there. It makes us feel terribly sad.’

– Staff Nurse Anne Donnell, Letters of an Australian Army Sister, p. 60