Tortoise rescued in World War 1 to be relocated

Wildlife experts are looking to rehome a tortoise rescued from a battlefield in 1915 in Turkey, The Sun reported Saturday.

A soldier tucked Blake, the tortoise, into his kitbag to save him from the shells and bombs at Gallipoli.

The rescued tortoise then survived a 2,000-mile sea trip from the World War I battleground to Britain to start a new life in the Tommy’s garden in Blakeney, Norfolk.

His soldier owner – thought to be called Marris – died more than 30 years ago, according to the newspaper.

Blake, a spur-thighed tortoise, was taken on by animal lover Marion Skinner in 1983 – but she can no longer care for him because she has a bad back.

Marion, 67, of Neatishead, Norfolk, said: “I want him to find a very special home because he’s so elderly.”

“He needs a bit of tender loving care and a quiet life now.”