Men’s Shed constructs scale model of Gallipoli beach landing

Last year, Boyle Men’s Shed in Co Roscommon resolved to build a diorama to mark each year of the centenary of the first World War.

When it came to 1915, there was only one event which could be considered – the disastrous landings at V Beach in Gallipoli on April 25th, 1915, that cost the lives of hundreds of Irishmen. They have sought to represent V Beach as accurately as possible from photographs and recent visits to the site.

The replica has been a labour of love since Christmas for four members of the group. "I've spent 80 hours over the last month making the boats, the barbed wire and the scenery," said Derek Winter. "We're immensely proud of it because it is a bit of forgotten history."

The display was commissioned by the Connaught Rangers Association and will be officially unveiled at 2pm on Friday in King House, Boyle.

A video of the diorama is available at irishtimes.com