April 13 – April 17
After a very successful trip to Normandy and Bayeux in April last year, we are planning a trip to Gallipoli from Monday 13 April to Friday 17 April 2026.
The history curriculum taught at the school by masters such as John Eyre, Michael Barlen, and Richard Miller has inspired many Old Bedfordians with a lifelong passion for learning that extends far beyond the classroom. Our battlefield tours, led by knowledgeable guides, retrace the footsteps of OBs who fought in these campaigns, offering unique insights into the strategic military thinking behind each operation, the conditions they endured during battle, and their personal stories.
Over 20 Old Bedfordians fought and died as a result of the Dardanelles campaign including VC medal recipient Sub Lieut. Arthur Tisdall VC. RNVR. During this trip, we will be remembering them and the others who lost their lives. Find out more about Tisdall and his incredible acts of bravery here.
As in previous years, the trip promises to be most enjoyable with a good mixture of sightseeing, history and socialising. In the past, we have found that this is a great way to bring together all ages. Take a look at photos from the 2024 trip here
The cost will be £1385 per person (with an initial deposit of £350). There is a single room supplement of £180. We know this is quite pricey but it should be pointed out that this price does include all the meals whilst in Turkey, various ferry crossings, a dedicated guide and all entrance fees associated with the visit and, of course, the flight. This cost is based on 20 passengers – the price could change (go down!) if numbers exceed 30 and at the moment the interest expressed shows we are near this point.
This price includes:
- Return flights including all taxes and hold baggage. At this stage the price is estimated and therefore cannot be guaranteed. On receipt of your deposit payment the tour operator will recheck flight rates and advise of any difference in price before committing your deposit payment. You will be required to confirm your acceptance of any price adjustments prior to the flights being booked. Currently there are no Visa requirements for British citizens.
- Accommodation based on 3+* hotels. You will be provided with twin or double rooms as required. Single rooms will be provided where they are requested but will incur a supplement and are subject to availability.
- Breakfast, lunches and evening meals commencing with an evening meal on day 1 and ending with lunch on the last day.
- The use of a coach and public transport (Ferry) tickets to cover agreed transfers and visits.
- All entrance fees associated with your visit.
- The service of 1 Anglia Tours Military Historian and an English speaking Turkish Guide.
- Insurance specifically designed for groups for those under 85 at the time of travel.
- A tour booklet for all participants.
We realise that some people may wish to add days on to the end of their holiday and if this is the case once a deposit has been paid, we can liaise with the tour operator to investigate alternative return flights and adjust any costings accordingly. Similarly, anyone wishing to join the tour in Istanbul.
To give you a flavour for the trip, our provisional itinerary is as follows:
Day 1 Mon 13 Apr 26
- Check in to a London Airport
Meet your Guide
- Flight to Istanbul
- Arrive Istanbul and transfer your hotel
Day 2 Tue 14 Apr 26
- Naval Operations
- Tekirdag sea front (fishing port) – Submarine Warfare in the sea of Marmara
- Baklabrun (Bulair) Beach – RND Diversionary Operations
- Anzac postions – The beach cemeteries, Johnson’s Jolly and a walk up to the Nek and Russell’s Top
- Chunuck Bair Cemetery – High ground for a ground brief
Day 3 Wed 15 Apr 26 – Helles Landings
- Achi Baba – Liman von Sander’s Defensive Plan. Turkish defensive layout
- Cape Helles
- V Beach Landing of the Irish fusilier battalions
- Seddulbhair
- W Beach (Lancashire Landing) short walk – Lancashire Fusiliers
- X Beach (Implacable Landing) 1 Royal Fusiliers landing and subsequent operations
Day 4 Thu 16 Apr 26 – The Krithia Offensives
- Namazgah Fort – Naval Operations, a view from the Ramparts before viewing the casements.
- First and Second Battles of Krithia
- Third and Forth Battles of Krithia
- Fusilier’s Bluff
- Helles Memorial – Act of Commemoration
Day 5 Fri 17 Apr 26 – Return Travel
- 0900 Depart hotel after breakfast
- Drive to Istanbul and flight home
To Book:
You can book as an individual, couple or small group, with fellow family members or friends. We find that they quickly embrace the ways of the OB Club!
To avoid disappointment, please ensure you have paid your deposit of £350 per person as soon as possible so that we can secure the flights. You can pay the full cost given now but be aware that depending on the flights this may change slightly. To secure your place do a bank transfer to The Harpur Trust as per below – just select ‘Deposit’ or both ‘Deposit and ‘Balance’ if paying in full now. We will allocate places on a first come first served basis so we advise you to book early to avoid disappointment.
Deposit – £350 pp
Balance – £1,035 pp
Single Room Supplement – £180 pp
Account Name: The Harpur Trust
Bank sort code: 40-10-02
A/c no: 92732971
IBAN: GB60MIDL40100292732971
SWIFT: MIDLGB2102H
Please quote under the heading ‘reference’ OBGallipoli, and your initial and surname and email the Club to let us know when you have done so. Thank you. obclub@bedfordschool.org.uk
