Jack Preddey, 18 and his mother, Virginia Preddey were given the rare opportunity to visit Gallipoli 100 years after the Anzac's first landed there.

They tell of an unforgettable and emotional experience that they will hold onto forever.

It was an experience that has led Jack to ponder the plight all young men who have fought in war.

Strong comparisons have since been linked to one young Bowral-born man, in particular, Private John G. A. 'Bert' Stokes who was only 19 when he landed at Anzac Cove in April 1915.

As a young lad in the Highlands Burt was involved in the community, playing tennis and being 'Deputy Bandmaster' in the Bowral Association band.

In 1915, Bert's life took a dramatic change when he was enlisted to fight in Gallipoli. None of the young soldiers enlisted had any idea of what they would experience on the bloody shores of Anzac cove.

One hundred years later, Bowral-born Jack began his five hour bus ride from Istanbul to Anzac cove. As the sun came up over the Aegean Sea, Jack was astounded at the raw beauty of the place.

"If you did not know the events that took place, it could have easily been another Greek island," he said.

Jack was able to spend three hours walking and reflecting among the various graves and monuments with his mother.

"Everyone was very respectful," Virginia said. "There were plenty of people sitting and looking out onto the ocean, just trying to grasp the whole devastation that occurred in this now beautiful place."

Jack remembers reading the various tombstones that were neatly placed in rows.

"I started seeing 19,18 and 16-year-old graves and I definitely started feeling some shock and emotion," he said.

Being 18, Jack found it difficult to comprehend what life on the battlefield would be like.

"I kept thinking what I would be feeling if I was in their situation and how what they had been through and what they gave up." One of the tombstones read 'He died a man and closed his life's brief day 'ere it had scarce begun'.

St Thomas Aquinas School teacher Virginia, found the experience quite "emotional", especially going with one of her four sons.

"I remember looking down at Jack on the beach where the soldiers would have stood and that's when I realised how blessed I was that he was born 100 years later."

Virginia fortunate she was able to take her son home after the sun went down on Anzac cove.

Virginia came across one monument that particularly moved her beyond words.

The passage that was imprinted onto a large stone wall came from the founder of the Turkish republic, Mustafa Kemal Aturk. It read; "You the mothers who sent their sons from away countries, wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well."

Burt never made that final journey home to his parents in Bowral. Almost a month after his landing in Gallipoli, Bert was shot and he rests in peace at Brown Dip Cemetery in Lone Pine.

Jack believes the five-hour bus ride to and from Anzac Cove is well worth the experience.

"I have a greater appreciation of the courage and sacrifice soldiers from both sides made. It's part of our history. We should never forget."

Both Virginia and Jack encourage everyone to make the effort to pay homage to the 8700 Australian soldiers that perished at Anzac Cove.