With the Zionists in Gallipoli

A seasoned officer recounts his unexpected role in the First World War, when he was tasked with leading a newly raised unit of Jewish volunteers who became known as the Zion Mule Corps. From the cramped decks of the transport ships to the first uneasy steps onto the rugged Gallipoli shoreline, his narrative captures the mixture of enthusiasm, cultural pride, and the stark realities of a campaign that quickly turned brutal. He offers vivid snapshots of the corps’ early training, their adaptation to the harsh terrain, and the way their sturdy mules became surprisingly vital in moving supplies under fire.

Interwoven with personal anecdotes, the memoir also sketches the broader strategic picture of the Dardanelles offensive, highlighting the tensions between high‑level plans and the gritty day‑to‑day experience of the soldiers. Readers gain insight into the camaraderie among the diverse troops, the challenges posed by disease and desertion, and the lingering hope that their modest contribution might sway the course of history. The account is both a historical record and a human story of determination in the face of overwhelming odds.