Southland brothers in arms - The human cost of war laid bare on Gallipoli Peninsula

Among the 2,779 New Zealanders who died during the campaign, were at least 55 sets of brothers. Their shared service and sacrifice left a profound mark on communities across the country. More than a century later, their stories continue to echo through generations. 

One of these stories is that of Private Cecil Jenkins and Lance Sergeant Sidney Jenkins from Winton in Southland.

Aged just 22 and 23, the brothers were killed in action on 2 May 1915 during one of the campaign’s costly frontal assaults. Cecil had worked as a cheesemaker, while Sidney was a bricklayer – typical young blokes who answered the call to serve King and country but whose lives, like so many others in this bitter and bloody series of battles, were tragically cut short half a world away.

Both brothers served with the Otago Battalion and were killed within hours of each other during a charge from Pope's Hill. Today, their names are commemorated on the Lone Pine Memorial to the Missing, which honours those who died in the area and have no known resting place.

As part of the New Zealand Defence Force contingent commemorating Anzac Day at Gallipoli, Chaplain (Padre) Rich Lander reflected on the enduring significance of their sacrifice.

For Padre Lander, the moment carried a deeply personal connection. Like the Jenkins brothers, he is from Winton, and generations later attended the same primary school they once did.

Standing at the Lone Pine Memorial, overlooking the now peaceful and reflective landscape of the former battlefield and the serene waters of the Aegean Sea, Padre Lander placed poppies in honour of the brothers.

“In remembering Cecil and Sidney, we remember not only their sacrifice, but the families and communities forever changed by their loss,” he said.