Sarpi Rest Camp

Fighting continued through the long summer. It weakened and wearied the men and achieved little. British commander General Sir Ian Hamilton ordered an August offensive at Gallipoli. The goal was to take territory in the northern sector of the Anzac position and break out of the beachhead in which they had been besieged since the landing. This was a failure that cost many lives.

Gallipoli’s geography allowed for no rear base to which soldiers could withdraw to rest. It was clear in the wake of the August offensive that men from the early landings needed to recuperate.

Sarpi Rest Camp was established on Lemnos for this purpose. Battle-weary Australian troops soon began arriving. Some reinforcements from Egypt also camped at Sarpi on their way to the front. Service units such as bakers and butchers were stationed at the camp.

Camp commander Colonel John Monash was frustrated by a shortage of tents and shelter. But for many Anzacs, Sarpi would have provided some comfort.

Sarpi was not a place to be idle. As men regained their strength, they engaged in an increasing number of military exercises. This included route marches, bayonet fighting, fire control and compass reading. They also undertook guard duties and moved stores between piers and depots.