What was the Gallipoli campaign?
The Gallipoli campaign was a World War I military operation in 1915 in which Allied forces, including Australian and New Zealand troops, tried to capture the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey. It ended in failure and heavy losses.
The campaign aimed to open the Dardanelles strait and knock the Ottoman Empire out of the war. Australian and New Zealand Army Corps troops, known as Anzacs, landed at what became known as Anzac Cove on 25 April 1915.
The Anzacs faced steep cliffs and strong resistance from Ottoman forces led by commanders including Mustafa Kemal, later known as Ataturk. Fighting continued for eight months.
Losses and evacuation
More than 8,700 Australians were killed, along with many thousands of New Zealand, British, French and Ottoman soldiers. The Allies evacuated the peninsula in December 1915 and January 1916.
Famous battles include Lone Pine and The Nek, where Australian soldiers suffered terrible casualties. The evacuation was carefully planned and is considered one of the most successful parts of the campaign.
Gallipoli became central to Australian national identity. The Anzac legend celebrates qualities such as courage, mateship and endurance. Anzac Day is held on 25 April each year.