January 8th, 1916
Evacuation of Gallipoli Peninsula in the Dardanelles is completed; there are 100,000 casualties, mostly Australian, New Zealanders and Irish, in the eight-month campaign
The evacuation of the Gallipoli Peninsula during World War I was a significant military operation carried out by the Allied forces, primarily the British and French, against the Ottoman Empire. It took place between December 1915 and January 1916.
Gallipoli Campaign
The Gallipoli Campaign, also known as the Dardanelles Campaign, was an Allied attempt to capture the Gallipoli Peninsula in modern-day Turkey. The campaign began in April 1915 and aimed to open up a new front against the Central Powers, including the Ottoman Empire, during World War I.
Stalemate and Suffering
The campaign quickly became a brutal and protracted battle marked by high casualties, tough terrain, and difficult logistics. Both sides, the Allies and the Ottomans, suffered heavy losses, and the frontlines became deadlocked.
Decision to Evacuate
Due to the stalemate and the deteriorating conditions, the Allied commanders, including General Sir Charles Monro, made the decision to evacuate the Gallipoli Peninsula. The evacuation was carefully planned to minimize casualties and to avoid alerting the Ottoman forces.
Nighttime Withdrawal
The evacuation began in December 1915 and was executed in several stages. Most notably, the final evacuation of Allied troops took place during the nights of December 18-19 and December 19-20, 1915. It was carried out under the cover of darkness and silence, with the Allies leaving behind equipment and deceiving the Ottoman forces.
Successful Withdrawal
The evacuation was largely successful in that it avoided major casualties and losses for the Allies. By January 09, 1916, the last troops had left the Gallipoli Peninsula, bringing an end to the ill-fated campaign.
Legacy
The Gallipoli Campaign is remembered for the significant loss of life and the harsh conditions faced by soldiers on both sides. It is also known for the emergence of figures like Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who would become a key leader in the foundation of the modern Turkish Republic.
The evacuation of the Gallipoli Peninsula marked the end of a costly and ultimately unsuccessful campaign for the Allies. The lessons learned from the campaign, particularly the need for better planning and execution, would influence future military strategies in World War I and beyond.
