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The Second Battle of Krithia, 6th-8th May 1915

Following the initial landings at Helles and Anzac in April 1915 the allied forces made several attempts to break through the Turkish lines. The Second Battle of Krithia aimed to capture the peak of Achi Baba which overlooked the whole southern end of the Gallipoli peninsula. Several attacks on 6 and 7 May, and the morning of 8 May, made little progress. Late in the afternoon of 8 May the 2nd Australian Brigade took part in the final attempt to reach and break through the Turkish lines. The Australians made a courageous advance, mostly across open ground and under heavy fire, advancing the line around 500 metres, but failing to reach the Turkish lines. In barely an hour the Brigade suffered over 1,000 casualties from a complement of 2,900 men.

Mark Whitmore (AWM)