THANK you to Mr Hopper who contacted us to share his knowledge of Weymouth and Chickerell’s efforts for the Anzac troops following their Gallipoli fight in the First World War.

Mr Hopper, from Weymouth said the town and Chickerell played an important role in supporting the military troops as they landed in the UK.

Mr Hopper said: “During 1915 plans were made to give respite to many hundreds of Anzac troops after action at Gallipoli.

“The first two depots in the UK were to be at Pilsdown in Hampshire and Chickerell in Dorset.

“Pilsdown was to be command depot 1, and Chickerell command depot 2.”

Mr Hopper said: “Many other sites in Wiltshire and the home counties came later.

“Chickerell was the first to be completed and on June 1 1915 the first Anzac contingent arrived.

“Weymouth also opened a hospital in the Hotel Burdon, now Prince Regent, for the Australians and also the Colwell House in School Street, now a shopping centre.

“Weymouth District Hospital also took in troops and Weymouth Sanatorium which was opposite Alexandra Gardens.

“The Anzac post office was on the first floor of the now Spar shop in St Edmunds Street.”

Mr Hopper said: “Sadly there also was a mortuary at the bottom of the South View Road, later a garage.”

Anzac Day, on April 25 commemorates the lives of the Anzac troops.

n If you have a story you would like to share, write to us at Looking Back, Dorset Echo, Fleet House, Hampshire Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XD or contact 01305 830987.