Grandfather’s diary tells of leadup to Gallipoli

KEVIN Hawke is so proud of his grandfather’s military career that he wants to tell the world about it.

ANZAC Diary

KEVIN Hawke is so proud of his grandfather’s military ­career he wants to tell the world about it in the lead up to the Anzac centenary.

Mr Hawke walked into the Mercury last week with his grandfather Ernest Hawke’s Gallipoli diary in hand and many stories to tell.

The small diary is in ­remarkable condition for something 100 years old and is one of many war keepsakes for his family to do with his grandfather.

“I had it passed on from my father as I’m the only boy,” Mr Hawke said.

“I also have his medals and a ‘dead man’s penny’ copper plaque with his name on it.”

He said his grandfather actually served with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force after moving to New Zealand from Tasmania in 1908 to pursue his teaching career.

“The ship he was on was called the Tahiti, which actually called into Hobart on show day 1914 on the way to Gallipoli,” he said.

The diary details the day to day journey of his grandfather during his time at Gallipoli, before his death during the Battle of Dead Man’s Ridge only days away from celebrating his 33rd birthday.

Originally published as Grandfather’s diary tells of leadup to Gallipoli