GALLIPOLI

Anzac Cove

On the 25th of April, 1915, the ANZACS were involved in their first major military operation, on the shores of Gallipoli. Those who landed that fateful morning were new to the horrors of war, but amazed all by trying their best and achieving more than many believed possible. This was where the ANZAC legend was born.

Anzac Cove looking to the North towards Ari Burnu

The British and French forces successfully landed at Cape Helles, and the ANZAC Corps, under the command of General William Birdwood, were to land at Gaba Tepe. However, what is remembered as the greatest blunder of the campaign occurred. The force landed 1 km to the north of Gaba Tepe, at Ari Burnu Point. What the ANZACS expected - a flat land assault across to the Dardenelles, was not what greeted them. Instead, unfamiliar and difficult ground faced them. The country was all hills and hollows, ridges and ravines.  This caused the attack to lack cohesion. There was no front line, or any continuous stretch of land that could even be described as a front. The men moved as fast as they could to find any possible cover. In their confusion and haste, units were broken up, making them easier prey for the Turkish troops that occupied higher ground. The scattered landing, wrong beach and non-stop fire made the entire attack impossible.

The assault resulted in 2000 casualties on the first day alone - 600 of these were killed.

The view looking up from Anzac Cove.

This is what faced the Anzacs as they stormed the shore at Anzac Cove. Turks occupied these hills. This gives a general impression of the difficulty of the terrain.

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