Gallipoli WORLD WAR I
"The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire" - Ferdinand Foch
The story of Gallipoli - What happened.
Britain suggested that Germany could be defeated by defeating it's allies: Hungary, Turkey and Austria. Initially, the attack on Turkey was going to be a naval operation but this was discontinued. Lieutenant-general William Birdwood commanded the ANZAC's. A three pronged attack was planned to clear the Turk's out of the straits, and then the ANZACS would march through to Constantinople where they believed the threat of the ANZACS would cause mass panic and force Turkey to surrender. We obviously know today what actually happened.
"No man is a hero in his own country" - John Monash
Where it happened.
Gallipoli is located in Turkish Thrace with the Dardanelles to the east and The Aegean Sea to the west. Between 25 April and 18 December 1915, thousands of ANZAC soldiers died on cliffs and beaches of the Turkish Peninsula. Beaches were mainly empty and featured steep inclines, with rugged ditches and sharp bushes as far as the eye can see. It is without a doubt that the climb would have a massive impact on the survival of a soldier.
3D Map of Gallipoli
2D Map of Gallipoli
“I look upon him as the greatest criminal known for having plunged the world into war.” - George V on his cousin Kaiser Wilhelm II, 1918
Australia's Involvement
Between 25 April and 18 December 1915, tens of thousands of ANZAC soldiers died on cliffs and beaches of the Turkish Peninsula during Australia's first land campaign of World War I.
When the ANZACS abandoned Gallipoli, they left behind 10,022 casualties: 7591 Australians and 2431 New Zealanders. Australia was severely impacted by the Great War. Men either thought to be fulfilling their duty by the joining the Australian Imperial Force, or were only eager for an adventure into a "short battle", and lied about their age to join the army. Little did they know, war is a devastating event.
The landing: The first landing of soldiers on the beaches of Gallipoli took place on the morning of 25th April 1915. British and French troops landed around cape Hellers. The ANZACS landed before dawn north of Gaba Tepe. The Anzacs had to reach the shore in landing craft and claw their way up steep hills under Turkish Fire. Throughout the first day there was confusion and ferocious fighting, much of it hand-to-hand.
The Landing at Gallipoli
“I think a curse should rest on me because I love this war. I know it’s smashing and shattering the lives of thousands every moment, and yet I can’t help it — I enjoy every second of it.” Winston Churchill, 1916
Individual Story
Introduction: James Martin stood out from all of the other soldiers as he was the youngest soldier to die In the war. He was only 14 when he succumbed to typhoid during the Gallipoli campaign. He was one of the 20 Australians soldiers who died under 18 years of age.
Early Life: Martin was born on 3 January in Tocumwal, New South Wales 1901. His mother Amelia was born in Bendigo, and his Father Charles Martin in Auckland. James Martin was the third of six children and Amelia's only son. During his schooling years he attended Manningtree Road State School for 5 years, and even took part in compulsory military training at the school.
World War I: As the campaign continued, the winter approached and the weather on the Gallipoli Peninsula began to take its toll on the soldiers in the trenches. Following a period of cold temperatures and heavy rain, Martin contracted enteric fever in the trenches. After suffering mild symptoms for about a fortnight during which time he refused treatment, he was subsequently evacuated to the hospital ship Glenart Castle on 25 October 1915 after he developed diarrhoea. He died of heart failure that night, at the age of 14 and nine months, and was buried at sea the next day. At the time of his death only Martin's parents and his best friend, Cec Hogan—who was himself only 16—knew Martin's real age. Nevertheless, on 18 December 1915, Melbourne's Herald newspaper reported Martin's death in an article titled "Youngest Soldier Dies".
Honours: Martin was awarded the 1914–15 Star, the British War Medal, and the Victory Medal. His name is recorded on the Australian memorial at Lone Pine and on the Australian War Memorial roll of honour in Canberra
“Lions led by donkeys.” Unknown German officer, Describing British and Australian troops.
Bibliography
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Martin_(Australian_soldier) - http://alphahistory.com/worldwar1/quotations-total-war/#sthash.DiRCHKVg.dpuf - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gallipoli -http://www.gallipoli.gov.au/