History of Gallipoli

Evening Star, Issue 20150, 15 April 1929, Page 4

History of Gallipoli

Prowess of the Anzac Troops Stirring Tributes by Author Major Segrave Returns to London ‘Peter Pan’ Given to Children’s , Hospital

Tress Association—By Telegraph—Copyright,

LONDON, April 13. Brigadier-general C. F. ' AspinallOglauder’s official history of Gallilioli, m addition to the extracts already published. reveals the interesting fact, hitherto im-publi-hcd, that Turkey and Germany signed a secret treaty on August 2, 11914. Britain’s entry into the war completely upset Turkey’s views, and, fearing the consequences, Enver Pasha on August 5 approached the Russian attache with definite proposals for a Russo-Tiukish alliance against Germany. Russia did not inform England or France of this for a few clays. Shortly after the German warship Goeben reached Constantinople, and the opportunity of gaining Turkey’s support disappeared. The history of the succeeding weeks preceding the outbreak of war with Turkey is traced clearly and interestingly. The book reveals the unfortunate effect of the successful British bombardment in February, 1915, which warned Turkey of the inadequacy of her defences.

Documents are freely quoted, tracing the stages by which the decision for a purely naval attack was reached. Turkey’s unpreparedenss is revealed by a description of the first day’s bombardment, when fifty men landed without casualties and demolished the forts at Takko Burnu, at which the 29th Division lost 3,UOU men in one day exactly two months later. Most of the subsequent history is already known,

The first mention of the Australians is enthusiastic. “The prowess of the Austral-New Zealand troops in the Great War has won lasting fame. Jt was on Gallipoli above the beach which hears their name that their laurels were first gained. It was there they set up a standard of bravery, tenacity, and ’resource, furnishing an example for all who followed them. From the viewpoint of general physique these two divisions were the flower of the Australian and New Zealand manhood. AH who saw them in the early days of the campaign agree that they were probably as fine a, body of men as ever stood to arms.”

The Third Brigade’s landing is fully described, and the units and the commanders are particularised. The glorious story is again recounted in stirring language of the manner in which the difficulties of the ground and the absence of_ artillery jeopardised, and finally ruined, the Anzacs' fortunes. Summarising the situation on the night of April 2.5 (the lauding on Gallipoli), the history says: ‘lt would appear, indeed, that, despite the almost impossible task, to which the mistake in selecting a landing place committed them, the Australians and New Zealanders were within an ace of triumph. Yet such is war. Seldom, indeed, has the mettle of inexperienced troops been subjected to a more severe test. It may well bo doubted if evcir a veteran division could have carried out a co-ordi-nated attack at Auzac on April 25. The predominant feeling is one of unstinted admiration for the. untried battalions who did so exceedingly well.” Full .details are given of various British landings, including that at “Y” beach, which was cleverly conceived, happily opened, hesitatingly conducted, and miserably ended. The history is punctuated witn stirring tributes to the Anzacs’ example. After emphasising that the Anzac territory was only a strip a mile and a-half along the»coast, and the greatest depth only ljUOOyds from the sea, with an anchorage under hostile observation, the writer says; “Only those who vi-ited the actual ground and took in the incredible position from the old Turkish front Hue can fully appreciate the spirit of the troops who held it. The Australians and New Zealanders never relinquished the grasp that.made this apparently hopeless position impregnable. That after waiting for reinforcements for three months they attacked, ror.ttacked, and very nearly, won is a. story that will live for ever.”

Referring to tha second battle at Kritbia, the history tells of the gallant charge of the brigade (Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Battalions, under ißrigadicr-geneval J. W. M'Cnyl and the dash it made on an unrecognised position—a charge that ended with the loss of over I,l'liM men ont of the 2,ODD engaged, including the brigadier, while both staff officers were wounded. The charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava-, it.is pointed out, resulted in the loss of 247 men ont of G 73.

The book closes with a synopsis of the position at the end of the first 'phase of the campaign, terminating with the second battle of Kritbia. The historian adds - “ If HO,OOO rounds, fired on Anbor’s Ridge against the Germans on the following day, had been available at Kritbia it might well have carried Sir lan Hamilton on to the Narrows and the fleet to Constantinople.” The history is a valuable addition to the Gallipoli library.—Australian Press Association.