The first wounded from the Gallipoli Campaign were returned to New Zeraland aboard the SS Willochra which landed at Wellington on 15 July 1915. On board was Captain Donald Simson who went on to the found the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association.

Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand
Reference: G8354

This historic scene was depicted by the artist and well-known caricaturist Walter Armiger Bowring (1874-1931).

The Homecoming from Gallipoli by W.A. Bowring (1916)

The Homecoming from Gallipoli [The landing of New Zealand's first wounded, 15 July 1915]
by W.A. Bowring (1916).

Archives New Zealand
Reference: NCWA 898/532

On the other side of the harbour just the previous day the Eastbourne Beautifying Society invited the Mayor of Eastbourne, Mr J.P. Kelly, 'to plant two fine Pohutukawas [sic] in Rata Road, in commemoration of the brave deeds done by our soldiers in Gallipoli', reported the Dominion. A plaque was later erected for what is the first known memorial to the Gallipoli Campaign.

Historic ANZAC Pohutukawa at Eastbourne

90 YEARS OLD AND STILL GROWING STRONG: The ANZAC Memorial Pohutukawa on the corner of Rata and Oroua Streets, Eastbourne.

Image: Dr Stephen Clarke

MEMORIAL PLAQUE: 'A.N.Z.A.C. – To commemorate the landing of N.Z. Troops at Gallipoli J.P. Kelly LSO Mayor planted this tree Wednesday 14th July 1915'.

Image: Dr Stephen Clarke