The Ghost of Gallipoli stands tall, head high, just as did the Anzac soldiers who stood by their mates 100 years ago.
Toolern Vale blacksmith Dean Lewis started work on a life-sized artwork about 18 months ago to honour the Australian soldiers who displayed “honour, mateship and steadfastness” during the battles of World War I.
He says the same kinship is still alive in today’s troops fighting in war zones across the globe.
“It is [the ANZAC soldiers] that built the tradition of the Australian army, of the strong, resourceful and brave Aussie soldier that you wanted on your side,” Mr Lewis said.
“And it is these men that our generation should not forget.”
Mr Lewis has been blacksmithing for more than 30 years.
“My blacksmithing art is my way of expressing my thoughts and feelings.
“I have made many items through the years but none has moved me like the Ghost of Gallipoli.”
The artwork has been welded to depict the ‘ghost’ as “historically accurate” as possible, with webbing, buttons, full pockets on the tunic and detail given to the hat – a British ‘Tommies’ cap that Anzac troops were ordered to wear to fool the Turks.
Lewis’s work, believed to be worth between $15,000 and $20,000, was rejected for display at the Australian War Memorial.
He is now looking for a home for his Anzac tribute.
