The Enemy
By 1907 the six major European controls had formed themselves into opposing alliance blocs. Britain, France and Russia supported each other and became known as The Triple Entente. The enemy was known as the Triple Alliance and consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy. This force of the alliance system contributed to the outbreak of war in 1914. Since Australia had only become an independent nation in 1901, they were prepared to accept the role of supporting their Mother Country, Britain in her international relations. All the countries that made up the British Empire, such as Canada and Australia, which had become independent, were obliged to support Britain in its military conflicts. Turkey (The Ottoman Empire) formed alliances with Germany and joined the war in Europe. The Turks saw this as a great opportunity to strengthen their own empire and to take back lands the Russians had acquired. In the Gallipoli Campaign, the Anzac troops were fighting against the Turks. A controversial decision over the delivery of two battleships ordered by the Turkish Government just before WW1 created fear within Britain and her allies. When Britain decided not to deliver the battleships and uproar among the Turks eventuated. Turkey cooperated with Germany in gaining two of their battleships, forcing Russia to declare war on Turkey. France and Britain followed this declaration. The result of this caused Turkey to close the straights of Bosphorus and Dardanelles between the Mediterranean and Black Sea. This prevented Russia from exporting wheat, food, supplies and materials and also receiving goods from her allies. This forced Britain to engage in war against Turkey. The planned Gallipoli landing was the final assault to defeat Turkey.
The Gallipoli Campaign was referred to by the Turkish people as ‘Canakkle Savasi’. For the Turkish people, this battle was a defining moment in their history. They fought to gain control of their land over the European Allies. The conditions and lifestyle of the Turkish soldiers were very similar degrading conditions experienced by the Anzacs. However, the Turks proved to have more advantages over the Anzacs. Turkish soldiers were able to cope with the extreme weather conditions that were presented during the campaign. Also being prepared for the battle on the highest slopes of the Gallipoli Peninsula, they held a better position throughout the campaign and constant access to their supplies (unlike the Anzacs who had their supplies shipped in). Gallipoli proved to the Turks greatest victory of the war.
Turkish soldiers in a defensive position, with
machine guns and a range finder.
"Those heroes who shed their blood and lost their lives! You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours. You, the mothers, who sent their sons from far away countries wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well."
The inscription is a quote from Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the first leader of the Republic of Turkey.1934
http://www.awm.gov.au/encyclopedia/ataturk.asp
The inscription is a quote from Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the first leader of the Republic of Turkey.1934
http://www.awm.gov.au/encyclopedia/ataturk.asp