Home >Gallipoli >War at Sea >Royal Navy & Suvla

Sea power at Suvla, August 1915: Naval aspects of the Suvla Bay landings and the genesis of modern amphibious warfare

On 6 August 1915, the Royal Navy, with the advantages that command of the sea confers, landed five divisions of troops at Suvla Bay to attempt to break a stalemate between the Allied and Turkish armies that had existed since the April landings on the Gallipoli peninsula. From the naval point of view, the Suvla landings were far more successful than those carried out in April, demonstrating a more sophisticated approach.

At the original Gallipoli landings, the troops were to be landed from unprotected ships' cutters and lifeboats and severe losses were suffered. Although not as effective as expected naval gunfire provided essential support for the Army and improved as fire control techniques, aided by the use of spotting balloons and aircraft, were developed with practice. The sinking of two battleships by submarine in May caused the withdrawal of the remainder of these ships, but destroyers and small craft continued to provide effective support. The battleships were replaced by less vulnerable and valuable monitors and 'bulge cruisers' . 

For the Suvla operation the concentration of troops was assisted by the use of large liners and the troops were landed from armoured lighters rather than open boats. At Nibrunesi beach, the landing went like clockwork, but the landings inside unsurveyed Suvla Bay were, as predicted, difficult. Eventually, with close support from destroyers and monitors, the position was stabilized. As previously in the campaign, the gunfire support had mixed results, but Turkish sources noted the effectiveness of the ships' fire in halting the movement of reinforcements and causing heavy casualties. Naval gunfire, despite its limitations, was absolutely vital.

While these operations were proceeding in the Aegean, behind the Turkish lines in the Sea of Marmara, the Navy was waging a highly successful submarine campaign cutting sea communication to Gallipoli by all but small craft.

IWM: Q 102588: Submarine E11 arriving at Mudros after 30 days in the Sea of Marmara, September 8th 1915. Mauretania beyond.

However the Allied assault petered out with heavy casualties and arrangements to evacuate the wounded came under considerable strain. Again the great liners demonstrated their value carrying thousands of wounded quickly and directly to hospitals in Britain. Finally, in December, the Royal Navy performed the last of its roles at Gallipoli and brought the Army off the peninsula in a faultless evacuation.

The naval achievement at Gallipoli was considerable. It twice landed the Army on a hostile shore, maintained it for over seven months and, in the end, safely evacuated it. In doing so, it met and overcame a number of challenges brought about by new technology. With the aircraft, monitor and the motor lighter, the Royal Navy introduced new technology to solve specific problems. By sound defensive measures it continued to operate in the face of a submarine campaign. At the same time, it mounted a successful submarine campaign of its own.

In the Suvla operation the Navy showed a level of sophistication compared to the April landing that was the difference between an old style amphibious operation and the start of modern amphibious warfare.

Richard Pelvin (AWM)

IWM: SP 132: HM Monitor 'Earl of Peterborough' with 'Roberts' in the background. Mudros, 1915.

IWM: Q13461: Armoured motor lighters ('Beetles') run right up to the shore at Suvla