Join us as we take a step back in history and learn more about the significance of Gallipoli and how this battle helped shape the history of Australia’s military.
Overview:
- Who fought in the Battle of Gallipoli?
- What was the aim of the Gallipoli campaign?
- What happened at Gallipoli? A timeline
- Who won the battle of Gallipoli?
- What is the significance of Gallipoli for Australians?
Who fought in the Battle of Gallipoli?
Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, Ireland, France, India and Newfoundland all fought in the Battle of Gallipoli.
On their way to Europe, the Australian troops first stationed themselves outside of Cairo in Egypt, where they went through four and a half months of gruelling training alongside troops from Britain, France, British India, Newfoundland, and New Zealand, as well as a Royal Navy Division.
Together this group was known as the MEF, or Mediterranean Expeditionary Force. The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps were combined under the command of British-Indian Army Officer Lieutenant-General William Birdwood, and it was then that they first became known as ‘the ANZACs’.
What was the aim of the Gallipoli campaign?
The Gallipoli campaign was intended to force Turkey (Germany’s ally) out of the war. It started as a naval campaign, with British battleships sent to take the Dardanelles Strait, which would give access to Constantinople (Istanbul), the Black Sea and the ports of Russia. This, however, ended in failure as a third of the ships were sunk or disabled on just one day (18th March, 1915).
After this, it was decided that a land attack on the Gallipoli Peninsula would be more effective.
What happened at Gallipoli? A timeline
Early on the morning of 25 April 1915, the Allied forces landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula with the aim of defeating the Ottoman Empire. The British landed at Cape Helles, the French at Kumkale and the ANZACs just north of Kabatepe. Failed attempts at breaching the Ottoman defences with naval force earlier in the year had shown that a land-based strategy was necessary. They hoped this would bring a quick victory and allow Allied navy ships to pass through the Dardanelles and onto Constantinople, as well as knock the Ottoman Turks out of the war.
From the beginning, the Turks firmly held their higher ground, and the Allies weren’t able to advance. Several diversionary attacks at different points on the peninsula were staged in an attempt to draw the Turks away from the main attack on the Sari Bair range, north of ANZAC Cove. While some of these diversions were successful, ultimately the battle returned to a stalemate, and after many months of fighting the British commanders decided to evacuate. The ANZACs were evacuated from ANZAC Cove in December 1915. In the eight months of fighting there were sadly 17,924 Australian casualties, and of those there were 8,709 deaths.
Who won the battle of Gallipoli?
While overall the campaign was seen as unsuccessful for the Allies, it did draw Ottoman troops away from the Caucasus front, where Russian and Ottoman soldiers were in a bitter fight.
What is the significance of Gallipoli for Australians?
Despite the huge number of fatalities, the Battle of Gallipoli was a relatively minor event during World War I – and yet the significance of Gallipoli to Australia and New Zealand cannot be overstated. But why?
First of all, the landing of the ANZACS on the Gallipoli Peninsula was Australia’s first major action in World War I. Secondly, the battles fought by the ANZACs established their great military reputation and left a legacy for generations of future Australians. It’s believed the battle played an important part in fostering a sense of national identity, and those at home were proud of how their men fought so valiantly despite the horrid conditions.
Nowadays, there is a historical site covering over 33,000 hectares of the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey. Established in 1973, the historical site honours the 500,000 soldiers who lost their lives here, and you’ll find statues, memorials, and cemeteries. You can also visit ANZAC Cove and the trenches of Lone Pine for a deeper understanding of the experiences of the soldiers who fought so bravely here.
It’s a fascinating site to visit, and paying homage to the ANZAC troops at Gallipoli should be on the bucket list of all Australians. Interested in seeing Gallipoli yourself or exploring Turkey? Book a small group tour online at Bunnik Tours today or get in touch with our Travel Specialists.
