Gallipoli 1915: The Fight for the Dardanelles Strait by Peter Doyle
In a campaign part sponsored by First Lord of the Admiralty Winston Churchill, the Battle of Gallipoli in 1915 remains one of the most resounding Allied defeats of the First World War, with both the Allied and Ottoman armies suffering in excess of 200,000 casualties.
Despite this, many believed it would be a sure-fire success due to the preceding naval campaign, but increased losses at sea prompted the Allies to send in ground troops. Comprising a large ANZAC contingent on their first major operation, they were tasked with invading and eliminating the formidable Ottoman artillery.
On 25 April 1915, they landed on five stretches of beach in open boats. The casualties from the first landing were horrific: of the first 200 men out of the boats, only twenty-one reached inland, the rest being mown down by Ottoman machine guns. Casualties only accelerated from there for both sides, until the Allies were forced to evacuate. Gallipoli 1915 takes you to the front line and beyond, ensuring that you will appreciate the ultimate sacrifice made by these brave soldiers.