Syd Hunter almost lost two uncles at Gallipoli. The first was killed in action during the opening days of the campaign. The second was wounded and then thrown into the sea when the hospital ship he was on was torpedoed. He survived after spending seven hours in the water clinging to debris.
The Herald is publishing a series of video diaries to mark the Gallipoli centenary. This week, we’re telling the stories of five New Zealand residents with strong ties to the bloody conflict.
Most 86-year-olds would find the thought of a trip to the Gallipoli battlefields daunting. But Syd Hunter is not like most 86-year-olds and nothing will stop him fulfilling his dream of visiting the peninsula where two of his uncles fought.
The Waiheke resident has been training at his local gymthree times a week and hiking up and down the steep incline from his home to the beach daily to ensure he is fit enough to tackle Gallipoli's tricky terrain.
He had two uncles in the Anzac contingent and their contribution to the campaign piqued a lifelong interest in all things military - including a collection of almost 5000 books.
Mr Hunter's uncle William Charles Bottle was part of the Otago Infantry Regiment and landed near Anzac Cove on the morning of April 25. Official records say he was killed between April 26 and April 30. He was 18, but had lied about his age in order to fight, so records say he died aged 22.
William's brother, Frank Edgar Bottle, landed in May. He was shot in the hand in July and on October 19 was being transported to Greece on the ship Marquette when it was struck by a torpedo.
The ship sank and 167 people died but Frank and his mate clung to a plank for seven hours and were rescued.
Mr Hunter is travelling to Turkey with his daughter Kirsten, who shares his interest in the family's military history.
