Sergeant Harry Barlow, DCM

Kiwi soldier Harry Barlow landed at Gallipoli on the day that gave us the origin of ANZAC Day, 25 April 1915. Almost two months later while fighting at Quinn’s Post, one of the most advanced and dangerous ANZAC posts in Gallipoli, Barlow was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his actions.

Quinns Post was the site of repeated Turkish bombardment and some of the bloodiest hand to hand combat encounters between the ANZACs and the Turks – whose posts were just a stone’s throw away.

Barlow’s citation reads:

“For great gallantry and ability on the night of the 21st-22nd June 1915, at Quinn’s Post (Dardanelles). On his own initiative he crawled from the trench to reconnoitre an enemy bombproof shelter some distance away. He was successful in dropping two bombs into it, and returned with two Turkish bombs which he found outside. Throughout the operations, he has distinguished himself as a most courageous and skilful bomb thrower.”

Soon after, during the advance on Chunuk Bair on August 7, Barlow received minor wounds and two weeks later was admitted to the 16th Casualty Clearing Station with influenza. He was transferred by ship back to England and to hospital to recover. After his release he returned to New Zealand.

To remember New Zealand’s stories and honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice the National Army Museum will be holding an ANZAC Day Civic Service.