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 Mediterranean Expeditionary Force (MEF). 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. A third of the ships were sunk or disabled during a single day (18th March, 1915).
After this defeat, it was decided that a land attack on the Gallipoli Peninsula combined with a naval strategy would be more effective.
What happened at Gallipoli? A timeline
On the morning of 25 April 1915, the Allied forces landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula intending to defeat the Ottoman Empire. The British landed at Cape Helles, the French at Kumkale and the ANZACs came ashore just north of Kabatepe.
After failed attempts at breaching the Ottoman defences with naval force earlier in the year, the Allied forces decided an amphibious strategy would be more effective.. They hoped this would bring a quick victory by allowing Allied navy ships to pass through the Dardanelles and onto Constantinople to conquer the Turks.
The Turks firmly held higher ground at Gallipoli from the start, and the Allies couldn’t advance. Several diversionary attacks at different points on the peninsula attempted 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 conflict, there were sadly 17,924 Australian casualties and 8,709 deaths.
Who won the battle of Gallipoli?
The Turks won the Battle at Gallipoli. In December 1915, the Allies evacuated Anzac Cove and Sulva Bay, and Helles was abandoned in January 1916.
While the campaign was unsuccessful, it did draw Ottoman troops away from the Caucasus front. The unsuccessful battles in Gallipoli established the great military reputation of the original ANZACs.
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?
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, a historical site covers 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.
Visit Gallipoli in Turkey on a small group tour to see where history was made
Gallipoli is a fascinating site to visit, where Australians and New Zealanders can pay homage to the ANZAC troops. See Gallipoli on a small group tour through Turkey to better understand Australia's history and how this significant battle shaped our nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Gallipoli significant to Australian history?
The battles fought in Gallipoli are significant to Australian history as it was the first battle of the Australian and New Zealand forces during World War I. To commemorate their bravery, Australia honours and remembers their fallen soldiers on April 25th, known formally as ANZAC Day.
What changed in Australia after Gallipoli?
Gallipoli was important for a shift in Australian culture to separate away from Great Britain and create a unique identity known for bravery and resilience.
Why is Gallipoli so important to the Allies?
Gallipoli was a major event in Australian history. This land-based attack overseas aimed to distract the Ottomans and allow allied ships to pass through the Dardanelles, capture Constantinople and eliminate Ottoman Turkey from the war.
