Grisly photos add to RSA's Gallipoli fears

The Returned Services Association says it is disturbed by reports that photographs have surfaced showing human remains dug up by road construction work at Gallipoli.

Turkish authorities maintain that no human bones at the World War I battle site have been found or disturbed by the roadworks.

But photographs of bone fragments apparently uncovered at the site have appeared in Canberra.

Bill Hopper, RSA spokesman, said it was upsetting and disturbing, as stories surrounding what happened during road-widening at Anzac Cove developed.

"Last week it was possible remains had been dug up, then someone had seen them, the Turkish authorities denied that, and now there's these supposed pictures," Mr Hopper said.

"It is very difficult to know what has happened and we can only hope investigations by officials will shed light on the matter."

It is understood the road improvements by the Turkish were to prepare the site for an influx of visitors to next month's 90th anniversary of the Anzac Day landings.

The photographs also showed that important artefacts such as bullets, cartridge cases, axe heads and water bottles had been unearthed.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard said yesterday the pictures had proved impossible to authenticate.

The photographer who had taken them had been questioned by Australian representatives.

"The response was that one of the bones had disappeared and the other one, he believed, had been covered up by the works," Mr Howard said.

Turkish authorities continued to advise that archaeological work had been carried out before construction.

"They were satisfied that no bones have been found or disturbed and they continue to be of the view that if there were any found, then the roadworks would stop."
Mr Hopper again urged that any remains should be treated with dignity. More than 2700 New Zealanders lost their lives but only 344 had known graves.

"Thousands of young men from other countries fell there as well and it's upsetting that 90 years later their remains have been reported disturbed.

"We expect that any uncovered would be interred appropriately."

Prime Minister Helen Clark said Turkish authorities had been "caught in the crossfire" as they tried to preserve Anzac Cove and widen the road so that thousands of people could visit it.

"They're trying to cater for upwards of 20,000 people who come for the dawn service, and they have a road which is unsafe which they have been endeavouring to do something about."