Lest We Forget

**Incongruous** · 04-24-2006, 22:43

Today is ANZAC day, and I thought a better day than any to discus the disastrous Dardaneles campaign as envisioned by Churchill and the sacrifices made by ANZACS, British French and Turks upon the rugged terrain of Gallipoli.

Disscuss away.

**Alexanderofmacedon** · 04-24-2006, 23:01

Happy ANZAC day?

**Incongruous** · 04-25-2006, 00:42

ANZAC Australia and New Zealand Army Corps earnt fame and recognition during the Gallipoli camaign of 1915 and today is their day of rememberance in NZ, AUS and GB.

**Csargo** · 04-25-2006, 01:39

Yes right after that Campaign Churchill resigned as Navy Minister right? I dont know too much about it except it was disasterous for the British.

**Incongruous** · 04-25-2006, 13:19

Yep Churchill resigned and the commander of the laned forces Sir Ian Hamilton was sacked and replaced by Monro. The British exoected the Turks to simply flee in awe and terror. They did not count upon the proffesionalism and tenacity of the Turks defenting the Dardanelles. Especially those under Mustapha Kamal

**matteus the inbred** · 04-25-2006, 13:28

Tenacious though Turkish resistance was, in country well-suited to defence, I think the campaign was poorly executed and suffered from delays in landing, reinforcing and supplying the troops. In particular, there were incidents of landings being made on the wrong areas and similar, and poor understanding of the terrain. I don't know if it was one of those big 'might-have-beens', as I don't think it detracted from German strength on the Western Front at all, but it could have achieved most of the objectives set out for it had it been done properly.
An examination of it appears in a not-entirely-well-written book called 'Military Blunders' which I own.

All in all, a sad waste of an opportunity for which Churchill rightly took much of the blame.

**AggonyDuck** · 04-25-2006, 15:39

From what I've read the preceding naval expedition was almost close to succeeding in forcing it's way to the Sea of Marmara, but they stopped a day too early and thus allowing the Turks to gather themselves.

**LeftEyeNine** · 05-02-2006, 11:21

We're happy to welcome their sons and daughters. Interesting that one of the most severe field battles has been a means of introduction to each other.

Bless upon those fought and defended heroically and those that fell on foreign lands -never able to return their homes.