FAQ About EX KENANGAN SILAM : BATTLE OF GALLIPOLI

The Battle of Gallipoli, also known as the Gallipoli Campaign, took place during World War I from April 25, 1915, to January 9, 1916. It was a major military campaign fought on the Gallipoli Peninsula in the Ottoman Empire (modern-day Turkey) between the Allied Powers, primarily composed of troops from the British Empire and France, and the Ottoman Empire.

The campaign was conceived by the Allies as a way to secure a sea route through the Dardanelles, a strategic waterway connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Black Sea. By gaining control of the Dardanelles, the Allies aimed to establish a supply route to Russia and potentially open a new front against the Central Powers.

The campaign began with a naval assault on the Dardanelles in February 1915, which resulted in limited success and heavy losses for the Allies. Subsequently, a decision was made to launch a ground invasion on the Gallipoli Peninsula. The Allied forces, including troops from Australia, New Zealand, Britain, and France, landed on the shores of Gallipoli on April 25, 1915.

However, the Ottoman Empire, under the leadership of German General Otto Liman von Sanders, successfully defended the peninsula. The Ottoman troops, aided by difficult terrain and fortifications, repelled the Allied advances. The campaign quickly turned into a stalemate, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.

Over the course of several months, both the Allies and the Ottomans launched offensives and counteroffensives, resulting in intense fighting and significant loss of life. The conditions on Gallipoli were extremely challenging, with soldiers contending with rugged terrain, harsh weather, disease, and trench warfare reminiscent of the Western Front.

Despite numerous attempts, the Allies failed to break through the Ottoman defenses, and by December 1915, it became clear that the campaign could not be won. The decision was made to withdraw the Allied troops, which was carried out in January 1916. The evacuation was conducted in secret and managed to avoid major losses.

The Battle of Gallipoli resulted in a significant loss of life on both sides. The Allies suffered around 141,000 casualties, including approximately 44,000 killed, while the Ottomans suffered approximately 251,000 casualties, including around 87,000 killed. The campaign is remembered for the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers involved, particularly the ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) troops, who established the ANZAC legend, a significant part of the national identity of Australia and New Zealand.