battle battle ground attack central powers suez_canal beginning palestine campaign world war battle fought august near egyptian town site ancient peninsula miles east suez_canal victory 52nd lowland division mounted division egyptian expeditionary force joint ottoman german force marched marked end defence suez_canal campaign known offensive des begun january british_empire victory ottoman_empire war ensured safety suez_canal ground attacks ended central powers ambitions disrupting traffic canal gaining control strategically important northern approaches suez_canal pursuit mounted division ended august began palestine campaign mounted division supported imperial brigade offensive pursuing german ottoman army miles peninsula reversing manner defeat suffered months earlier late april german led ottoman force attacked british british_empire forces region doubled brigade grew rapidly developing infrastructure support construction railway water pipeline soon enabled infantry division join light horse mounted rifle brigades heat summer regular mounted patrols reconnaissance carried base infantry constructed extensive series defensive july advance large german austrian ottoman force northern reported july battle began australian 1st 2nd light horse brigades took turns pushing clash advancing hostile column night august advancing force including german formation ottoman 3rd infantry division launched attack forward troops quickly engaged screen established 1st light horse brigade mounted division fierce fighting dawn august australian light horsemen forced slowly retire daylight line reinforced 2nd light horse brigade mid morning 5th mounted brigade new_zealand mounted rifles brigade joined battle brigades mounted division managed contain direct determined attackers deep sand attackers came range strongly entrenched 52nd lowland division defending railway coordinated resistance formations deep sand heat prevailed german austrian ottoman advance checked attacking force fought strongly maintain positions morning nightfall pushed starting point retiring force pursued mounted division august ottomans germans forces fought number strong rearguard actions advancing australian light horse british new_zealand mounted rifle brigades pursuit ended august german ottoman force abandoned base retreated background beginning world war egyptian police controlling peninsula withdrawn leaving area largely unprotected february german ottoman force unsuccessfully attacked suez_canal minor ottoman forces operating continued threaten canal march gallipoli campaign june practically ceased autumn german ottoman supported uprising political religious group western frontier egypt began november february apparent sign unusual military activity british began construction mile stretch inch standard gauge railway water pipeline reconnaissance aircraft royal flying corps royal naval air service found small scattered ottoman forces region sign major concentration troops southern palestine end march early april british presence growing miles track including laid march april water sources central route southern palestine destroyed central group ottoman soldiers moved desert attack suez_canal wells central route longer large forces german general friedrich von raiding force growing british presence attacking widely dispersed 5th mounted brigade april easter sunday george day surprised overwhelmed east mounted brigade sent guard water pipeline railway extended protection suez_canal defences desert response attack british_empire presence region doubled day new_zealand mounted rifles brigade 2nd light horse brigade served gallipoli campaign australian major general harry mounted division area unopposed prelude april day commander mounted division placed command advanced troops 2nd light horse brigade new_zealand mounted rifles brigades infantry division 52nd lowland infantry moved forward june building railway pipeline greatly affected fighting april april trains day running regularly manned railway company main line opened second standard gauge railway line mediterranean coast completed june conditions ground extreme middle particular mid june end july heat desert ranged extreme fierce temperatures expected region shade terrible heat bad dust storms blow days hours days air turned floating sand particles strong hot southerly wind major ground operations carried months ottoman garrisons scattered reach british forces constant patrolling reconnaissance carried miles south east miles east north east new_zealand mounted rifle brigade covered kilometres hours patrols concentrated area great strategic importance large military formations wishing northern route water freely available large area extends miles suez_canal old route miles away june water source central route peninsula destroyed column column consisting engineers units 3rd light horse brigade corps egyptian transport corps drained gallons imp gal water pools sealed action effectively narrowed area ottoman expected coastal northern route peninsula ottoman aircraft attacked suez_canal twice dropping bombs port said british aircraft bombed town june bombed ottoman camps miles parallel canal middle june australian squadron australian flying corps begun active service flight performing reconnaissance july flight stationed upper egypt flight based german ottoman force beginning july estimated ottoman troops area southern palestine battle began troops far forward base east south east miles east far von fourth army 3rd infantry division regiments 31st 32nd 39th infantry regiments totalling men combatants arab forces regiment corps estimates arms range rifles machine guns anti aircraft gun sections fielded heavy artillery mountain gun batteries artillery pieces formation nearly horses accompanied advance formation strength consisted personnel machine gun battalion companies guns ottoman drivers anti aircraft groups 60th battalion heavy artillery consisting battery guns battery batteries guns battery officers leading numbers artillery battalion german remainder ottoman army personnel addition included trench mortar companies flight detachment wireless detachment railway companies field hospitals austria provided mountain batteries guns exception trench mortars railway personnel remainder took advance flight detachment provided squadron aerial reconnaissance increased numbers aircraft available support advance aircraft faster effective british aircraft able maintain air superiority possible regiment 27th division advanced took defence place objectives german austrian ottoman advance capture establish strongly entrenched position opposite place heavy artillery range suez_canal attacking force assembled southern ottoman_empire north west departed july reached days later british forces general sir murray commander british_empire forces egypt formed egyptian expeditionary force march merging force egypt protected egypt beginning war mediterranean expeditionary force fought gallipoli role new force defend british egypt provide reinforcements western murray headquarters cairo better deal multiple responsibilities battle occupation area northern sector suez_canal defences originally stretched canal port said sectors grouped defence forces central southern sections canal central sector stretched south headquarters southern sector extended murray considered unlikely attack occur northern sector prepared reduce troops nos sectors minimum decided reinforce infantry brigades increase available fire power moving machine gun companies 53rd welsh 54th east divisions ordered concentration small mobile column 11th light horse city london squadron 4th 6th 9th companies imperial brigade sector calculated defensive force including transport necessary enable infantry 42nd east lancashire division advance desert fully equipped assembled august approximately egyptian transport corps concentrated prior battle british monitors mediterranean_sea got position shell assembling ottoman force armoured train ready assist defence right flank available aircraft standby port said major general lawrence commanded section canal defences defences position commanded lawrence headquarters stationed infantry 42nd division infantry brigade 53rd welsh division guns 3rd light horse brigade detached mounted division lawrence moved infantry battalions 42nd division section canal defences sent infantry north wales brigade 53rd welsh division july deployments august near battlefield follows hill miles new_zealand mounted rifles brigade wellington mounted rifles regiment 2nd light horse brigade 5th light horse regiment temporarily attached commanded edward 5th mounted brigade direct command lawrence joined railway infantry east lancashire brigade 42nd division 5th light horse regiment attached new_zealand mounted rifles brigade east hill force stop delay von attack attempt bypass advance directly suez_canal hill infantry lancashire brigade manchester brigade 42nd division railway line station mobile column based end railway 3rd light horse brigade end railway force responsible defence battle began consisted infantry british 52nd lowland division commanded major general smith mounted division commanded 3rd light horse brigade 1st 2nd light horse brigades 5th light horse regiment new_zealand mounted rifles brigade wellington mounted rifle regiment attached commanded lieutenant meredith respectively development defensive positions infantry 52nd lowland division joined mounted brigades june development railway possible transport supply large number soldiers infantry occupied defensive position known wellington ridge facing sand dunes area favoured defence sand dunes stretching miles inland covered area square miles km2 including south northern route southern south eastern edges series dunes shifting sand narrow sloping lanes led deep soft sand 52nd lowland division developed strong defensive position left flank mediterranean_sea series built running southwards line high sand hills miles known feet high line sand hills high oasis marked eastern edge area soft shifting sand lower dunes harder sand movement infantry mounted forces considerably easier shore western end principal tactical point eastern slopes heights infantry constructed line yards apart second series covering railway station right defensive position curved like hook westward northward total constructed fully garrisoned held rifles lewis guns average vickers machine guns allotted position wired right positions wire defensive line supported artillery threat ottoman attack suez_canal considered lawrence consultation divisional commanders second defensive area developed address concerns plans took account possibility ottoman army moving attack following old route assault hill way suez_canal attempt bypass right flank open attack garrison send infantry mounted troops hard ground plain south west new_zealand mounted rifle brigade stationed hill end june 5th light horse regiment prevent ottoman force reaching suez_canal light horse patrols battle active patrolling mounted troops continued period leading battle early july indications imminent resumption hostilities nearest ottoman garrison men miles east july patrol found greatly increased aerial activity area began july faster better climbing german aircraft quickly established superiority british aircraft stop british aircraft continuing country east july british aircraft brigadier general commander new_zealand mounted rifles brigade acting observer discovered ottoman force slightly smaller force detected similar sized force found seen camps moving morning men found entrenched advance depot supplies stores small force spotted far forward oasis day july grown men july 2nd light horse brigade guns mounted rails battery demonstrated capturing prisoners beginning series patrols 1st light horse brigade continued eve battle day august brigades alternated riding base dawn time advanced wide german ottoman fire provoked enemy position weak light horse pushed forward counterattack began brigade retired slowly return camp nightfall following day brigade carried similar manoeuvres direction advancing ottoman columns picking officers patrols left night monitor enemy movements period clashes occurred july miles british line squadrons wellington mounted rifle regiment commanded lieutenant colonel bayonet assault supported machine guns pounder guns drove ottomans leaving dead taking prisoners ottoman 31st infantry regiment tactic continuous forward patrolling successful advancing force known defenders light horsemen substantially outnumbered stop advance daylight august german austrian ottoman force occupied striking distance hill suez_canal line ran north east south west east left flank thrown forward plans german ottoman objective cross canal capture establish strongly entrenched heavy artillery position opposite bombard shipping canal von plan attack bombard line defensive heavy artillery employ weak infantry detachments main force launched attacks right rear position defenders expected german ottoman attack prepared line defence attack right south appreciated attack expose german ottoman left flank murray plan firstly delay attackers difficult gain ground south secondly german ottoman force totally committed flank attack attack section troops hill 3rd light horse brigade mobile column operating widely flank rear selected position defence stretched miles second fall position covering series parallel running south east north west giving access area soft sand rear defences visible works constructed commanders light horse brigades task hold attackers ground flank attack begin studied area closely battle august midnight august columns german 4th ottoman army consisting men began attack outpost line held 1st light horse brigade half hours return 2nd light horse brigade regular daytime patrol addition usual officers patrols left overnight monitor enemy positions decided leave night 1st light horse brigade hold outpost line miles covering entrances plateau formed position protected infantry posts shot fired desert south east position long line 1st 2nd light horse regiment 1st light horse brigade alert midnight 3rd light horse regiment 1st light horse brigade called line austrian german ottoman advance finding held light horsemen sudden heavy burst fire began attack considerably superior ottoman german forces places advanced yards australian line ottoman centre left columns led round open flank infantry camp railway moon set germans ottomans bayonet charge mount meredith vastly outnumbered light horsemen fought effective delaying action close quarters forced relinquish ground slowly ultimately evacuate position benefit moon light light horsemen fired flashes enemy rifles close use 1st light horse brigade eventually forced withdrawing slowly troop covering troop steady accurate fire general attack bayonet fall position large east west sand called wellington ridge southern edge retirement wellington ridge covering squadrons left near attacked squadron right taken flank suffered considerable loss managed hold ground position rear occupied light horsemen south mount meredith forced led horses succeeded falling second position soon ottoman machine gun shooting light horse mount meredith relied 1st light horse brigade commanded gallipoli campaign hold line greatly superior numbers hours dawn general situation assessed daylight revealed weakness light horse defenders second position wellington ridge right strong german ottoman forces 2nd light horse brigade commanded colonel ordered went action mount support 1st light horse brigade right flank moving 6th 7th light horse regiments line german austrian ottoman artillery opened fire infantry defences camps rear inflicted losses high explosive shells soft sand attackers succeeded forcing light horse wellington ridge placed metres camp unable press exposed machine gun rifle fire entrenched infantry 52nd lowland division horse artillery supporting light horsemen determined defence having held south german ottoman force attempted manoeuvre west concentrating troops mount sand south west ottoman 31st infantry regiment pushed forward 32nd 39th infantry regiments swung left british rear movement steadily progressing slopes mount turning right 2nd light horse brigade regiment wellington mounted rifles committed line brigades light horse continued gradually withdraw extreme right infantry position covered left flank rear pushed wellington ridge mount miles west attackers continually forcing right flank compelled retire slowly ridge 6th 7th light horse regiment 2nd light horse brigade held western edge meredith ordered withdraw 1st light horse brigade line occupied 7th light horse regiment north camp 6th 7th light horse regiments retired squadron squadron remainder wellington ridge german austrian ottoman fire ridge directed camp yards away leicester batteries quickly stopped artillery attack apparent german ottoman right column 31st infantry regiment attempting frontal attack held infantry 52nd lowland division defenders able hold subjected severe artillery day frontal attacks began heavy german austrian fire artillery attempted breach infantry defensive line attacks numbers began heavy artillery fire attacks broke completely 31st ottoman infantry regiment yards subsequent attempts successful contacted brigadier general commanding infantry brigade requesting brigade temporarily relieve light horse brigades horses preparation mounted counterattack refused brigade held reserve support intended attack eastward infantry 52nd lowland division light horse gradually withdrawn main german ottoman attack stopped directed fire royal horse artillery batteries mounted division light horse rifle machine gun fire 52nd lowland division contributed considerable firepower attackers appeared exhausted held ground austrian ottoman artillery including guns fired defenders camps german ottoman aircraft severely bombed defenders columns german austrian ottoman attacking force brought coordinated determined defence 1st 2nd light horse brigades 52nd lowland division ottoman advance long night march german ottoman troops faced difficult day desert sun able water exposed artillery fire time attacking forces held line running mediterranean coast southward 52nd infantry division westward including large sand dunes mount meredith mount position mount german austrian ottoman force dominated camp area threatened railway line reinforcements commander new mounted rifles brigade advised austrian german ottoman advance lawrence headquarters northern canal defences sector informed developing attack recognised main blow falling ordered 5th mounted brigade hill mount led composite regiment moved remainder brigade preparing follow lawrence ordered new_zealand mounted rifle brigade consisting brigade headquarters canterbury mounted rifle regiment mounted rifles attached 5th light horse regiments 2nd light horse brigade mount pick mounted rifles regiment new_zealand brigades stationed hill miles orders received new operate vigorously cut enemy appears got round right mounted division 3rd light horse brigade directed forward hill send regiment mobile column ordered march mount counterattack german austrian ottoman attack mount checked north 3rd 6th light horse regiments 1st 2nd light horse brigades constant bombardment horse artillery infantry heavy artillery 52nd lowland division held light horse brigades faced south point yards northwest north wellington ridge sand hills north mount line fallen 2nd 3rd light horse regiments 1st light horse brigade come 6th 7th light horse regiments 2nd light horse brigade right left line held 6th 3rd 2nd 7th light horse wellington mounted rifles regiments mile north north west mount squadron royal gloucestershire regiment 5th mounted brigade held ground plan called 1st 2nd light horse brigades 5th mounted new_zealand mounted rifles brigades swing round attackers left flank reinforcements arrive composite regiment 5th mounted brigade came flank mounted regiment royal gloucestershire squadron yards west mount attacked strong body ottoman soldiers regiment attacked ottomans forced new_zealand mounted rifles brigade headquarters canterbury mounted rifle regiments mile old road ordered directly canterbury hill position railway east station strong german ottoman attack threatening railway mounted rifles regiment arrived brigade find composite regiment 5th mounted brigade contact german ottoman forces south west mount 1st 2nd light horse brigades contact new_zealand mounted rifles brigade commanding 2nd light horse brigade explain situation moved canterbury mounted rifles regiments supported somerset battery high ground right light horse shortly joined remainder 5th mounted brigade command brigadier general critical period day fighting german ottoman force dominated area mount mounted brigades 5th light horse regiment began counterattack west mount new_zealand soon gained mount aided accurate rapid shooting somerset royal horse artillery battery attack proceeded point arranged 5th mounted brigade squadron royal gloucestershire troops southern spur mount easily took spur defenders waiting onslaught mounted charge crest spur gloucestershire squadron shot horse teams austrian german ottoman battery pack guns concentrated hollow spur attacking force began surrender new_zealand mounted rifle 5th mounted brigades supported leading infantry battalions manchester brigade arrived ottoman german soldiers began surrender prisoners machine guns pack battery captured outer flank attacking force completely routed inner flank german ottoman force wellington ridge effort advance ridge driven artillery fire fresh frontal attacks launched main british infantry system broke completely major general smith ordered infantry scottish rifles brigade attack enemy force wellington ridge left light horse coordination counterattack mount artillery bombardment wellington ridge began infantry 7th 8th scottish rifles moved south 8th scottish rifles advancing yards crest wellington ridge stopped heavy rifle fire darkness end fighting 1st 2nd light horse brigades established outpost line spent night battlefield new_zealand mounted rifles 5th mounted brigades withdrew water rations station newly arrived infantry brigades 42nd division assembling 3rd light horse brigade halted hill mobile force reached miles south station new_zealand mounted rifle 5th mounted brigades moved positions won water rest area consolidated infantry manchester brigade 42nd division brigadier general ordered infantry 7th 8th scottish rifles battalions hold ground wellington ridge daylight close contact enemy night hope capturing large numbers tired soldiers morning approximately prisoners captured day sent railway station battle august hours british commanders able concentrate force men area advantage force included infantry divisions 52nd newly arrived 42nd mounted brigades active duty july heavily engaged line day included 3rd light horse brigade hill mobile column time command 5th mounted brigade passed mounted division infantry division 42nd division suggested orders required mounted division remain position 3rd light horse brigade flank attack lawrence orders general advance august beginning included advance mounted division orders read mounted division press forward right left close touch infantry scottish rifles brigade 52nd lowland division advancing line mount meredith 3rd light horse brigade attack south keeping close touch mounted division 5th mounted brigade orders 42nd infantry division assist 3rd light horse brigade link mounted division right 42nd division line canterbury hill mount drive opposition advance mounted troops close support mounted division right flank 52nd lowland division close support mounted division left flank mount meredith prepare general advance undertaken orders lawrence section headquarters german austrian ottoman force spread hill left flank unprotected good shape fighting previous day intense heat having remain position overnight far water harassed british infantry situation main attacking force past right main british infantry positions infantry 52nd lowland division closer nearest enemy controlled water source attacking force british infantry left trenches promptly attacked south easterly direction von force great difficulty escaping british capture wellington ridge infantry 8th scottish rifles scottish rifles brigade 52nd lowland division advanced 7th light horse wellington mounted rifles regiments 2nd light horse brigade covered infantry 7th scottish rifles scottish rifles brigade 52nd lowland division left brought machine guns lewis guns position sweep crest reverse slopes wellington ridge wellington mounted rifle regiment 7th light horse regiment supported left scottish rifles infantry posts fixed stormed wellington ridge encountered heavy rifle machine gun fire rushed sandy slope quickly broke german ottoman line clearing wellington ridge mounted light horsemen pressed forward ridge ridge pause troops swept body ottoman soldiers result attack white flag hoisted german ottoman soldiers defended positions wellington ridge dominating camps captured total prisoners neighbourhood wellington ridge soldiers surrendered infantry 8th scottish rifles captured light horse mounted rifles regiments main german ottoman force retreat 1st 2nd light horse brigades batteries far men surrendered infantry prisoners dealt apparent rearguard retreat way lawrence ordered command troops initiate vigorous general advance eastwards british advance ottoman rearguard infantry 42nd division arrived battle day train hill hill station infantry 52nd lowland division ordered support mounted australian new_zealand british brigades 42nd division ordered advance manchester brigade marched reached lancashire brigade arrived supported egyptian transport corps worked army service corps supply drinking water distress sands infantry 42nd division marched slowly far rear 52nd lowland division experienced difficulties lawrence ordered division men leave trenches nearly midday reaching objective late evening result von able troops heavy guns immediate battle area day stated british reserves germans ottomans halt august appears infantry divisions reluctant leave defences infantry division trained desert warfare found sand dunes extremely difficult negotiate match pace endurance trained german ottoman force hampered water supply problems lawrence ordered command mounted troops excluding mobile column new_zealand mounted rifles 5th mounted 3rd light horse brigades somewhat scattered new_zealand mounted rifles brigade reached found 3rd light horse brigade ordered left cooperate general attack advance guard moved fulfill orders general mounted advance began midday line west south centre new_zealand mounted rifles brigade approaching south west edge oasis left 1st 2nd light horse 5th mounted brigades infantry 52nd lowland division attacking north old road 3rd light horse brigade away new right south old road attacking german ottoman units commanders new_zealand mounted rifle 1st 2nd light horse 5th mounted brigades german austrian ottoman rearguard position miles west decided light horse brigades advance mounted attack german ottoman right flank rearguard force determined stand prepared line stretching artillery machine guns placed eastern great flat marsh stretched right position giving excellent field fire general mounted attack commenced new_zealand mounted rifles brigade 1st 2nd light horse brigades advancing reached edge white light horse mounted rifle brigades formed line fixed charged exposed country long line charging horses shell fire bullets holding fixed far left intensity fire rearguard necessary 5th mounted brigade sword carrying send horses advance brigades charged eventually forced attack ground met directed heavy german austrian ottoman artillery fire completely supporting somerset batteries sunset advance british_empire mounted brigades stopped 9th light horse regiment 3rd light horse brigade extreme right held determined german ottoman rearguard unable work round right flank position yards rearguard line bayonet attack cover machine gun fire battery result german ottoman force abandoned position leaving men seven machine guns captured instead holding ground drew withdrawal led strong german ottoman counterattack falling canterbury mounted rifle regiment darkness finally end battle night germans austrians ottomans withdrew mounted division leaving troop mounted rifle regiment listening post battlefield day battle suez_canal won british infantry australian british new_zealand mounted troops captured approximately german ottoman combatants killed main enemy force able escape artillery captured battery retreat fighting successful rearguard action having borne burden long days patrolling reconnaissance minor engagements advancing austrian german ottoman columns prior battle 1st 2nd light horse brigades attack midnight august dawn august continuing fight long days battle end august completely exhausted depleted ranks lines ordered day rest pursuit begins von prepared successive lines defence advance despite losing artillery battery soldiers fought series effective rearguard actions slowed pursuit british_empire mounted troops enabled force retreat night august infantry south scottish brigade highland light infantry brigade manchester brigade 42nd division lancashire brigade 42nd division left touch scottish rifles brigade 52nd division left morning infantry 42nd division ordered advance eastwards occupy line 52nd lowland division advance infantry line 42nd division north east carried orders day march station infantry manchester brigade lost men victims sun infantry brigades suffered similarly clear infantry ceased employed advance necessary corps detachments medical services search desert left mobile column south consisting imperial brigade 11th light horse mounted city london regiments squadrons advanced attack german ottoman left flank working found evacuated august camping night fought strong hostile forces following day impression days later august mobile column succeed getting round ottoman flank weak effect retired advance august previous night german ottoman force evacuated moving ordered mounted division continue attack new_zealand mounted rifles brigades 5th mounted brigade ordered capture despite attempts brigades turn enemy flank forced frontal attack strongly entrenched positions favoured defenders supported carefully positioned artillery infantry divisions moved garrison lawrence moved headquarters forward 3rd light horse brigade right advanced small progress positions held german ottoman forces new_zealand mounted rifles brigade moved dawn followed 5th mounted brigade ambulance support new_zealand field ambulance returned 5th mounted field ambulance arrived fortunately casualties light arrived evening 3rd light horse field ambulance formed dressing station south treating wounded 3rd light horse brigade engagement convoy brought wounded ottomans south cases heat exhaustion infantry 42nd division treated day pursuing slow horses enemy advancing entrenched points enabled fight rearguard action moving close entered august brigades mounted rifle light horse 10th light horse regiment 3rd light horse brigade supporting moved attack german ottoman position rearguard position found strong lacking support infantry heavy artillery mounted force small capture strong rearguard position threat mounted advance force hostile force evacuate position night german ottoman forces retreated weeks july established base depot supplies stores august greater feast day celebrating end islamic year coincided egyptian transport corps ordered supplies advancing troops men past end contracts entitled discharged refused orders fill water bottles draw rations saddle man hit head butt pistol dispersed small groups reassigned units infantry division 52nd lowland division occupied august new_zealand mounted rifles brigade reached august 3rd light horse brigade came passed dead ottomans dead ottoman sniper hundreds rounds cartridge shells corps squadron aircraft continued searching desert sands missing men action august planned lawrence approval capture ottoman rearguard forward base miles east position strongly held greatly superior numbers germans austrians ottomans supported placed artillery garrison seen burning stores evacuating camps deployed mounted division advance new_zealand mounted rifles brigade centre following telegraph line right gap mile 3rd light horse brigade touch small flying column mobile column city london 11th light horse regiments imperial brigade attempt round german ottoman left flank cut retreat advance 3rd light horse new_zealand mounted brigades begin daylight august 5th mounted brigade forming reserve left new column composite depleted 1st 2nd light horse brigades gone water march night miles north west arrived august half hours advancing point miles north east cooperate new_zealand mounted rifles brigade attack rearguard position attack supported horse artillery batteries prepared position held superior strength strong machine guns covered double number guns including heavy attacking force advantage mobility attack august 3rd light horse brigade set find turn german ottoman left new_zealand mounted rifles brigade headed directly old route driven enemy outposts reached high ground overlooking column moved intention ottoman right new attacked centre brigades covering miles forward troops german ottoman rearguard held miles driven new time attackers appeared likely succeed firmly established telegraph line old road supported somerset leicester batteries german austrian ottoman rearguard quickly realised thin attacking line advanced trenches counterattack aggressive checked artillery fire somerset battery effectively combined fire machine guns subsequent fire fight extremely difficult mounted maintain position flanks light horse held german ottoman infantry renewed attack gap new 2nd light horse brigade 5th light horse regiment covered gap german ottoman advance halted ordered 3rd light horse brigade unable turn german ottoman flank new renewed efforts succeeded exposing flanks australians unable conform forward movement progress stopped new_zealand mounted rifles brigade continued hold centre flanks bent pressure strong german ottoman force result new ended holding exposed line forward slopes hills overlooking fresh german ottoman reinforcements launched fierce counterattack miles centre fell canterbury regiments squadron 5th mounted brigade command new supported machine guns section attached canterbury mounted rifles regiment fired guns directly advancing soldiers stopping yards new_zealand position midday advance completely held determined supported fresh german ottoman troops august soldiers numerous ready fight strongly supported placed austrian ottoman guns delivering heavy accurate fire time rearguard launched heavy counterattack columns german ottoman soldiers canterbury regiments squadron attack extended mounted force left flank battery column badly cut fire losing horses killed making extremely difficulty guns forced retire nearly mile 3rd light horse brigade advancing right flank forced ground accuracy enemy withdrawal 3rd light horse brigade new_zealand mounted rifles brigade position critical gave orders general retirement proved challenge new nightfall saved certain capture machine gun squadron guns line firing range yards supported squadrons 5th mounted brigade successfully covered new withdrawal day fierce fighting described hardest fought action campaign mounted division advance effectively stopped ordered division return water despite lawrence wish close concluded force condition remain reach strong aggressive enemy force mounted division lost significant proportion strength casualties including officers ranks killed planned attack august daylight august strong patrols went forward remained touch force day fresh troops attack force fighting took place august von force watched harassed plans attack august advance mounted division began daylight soon forward patrols reported garrison retiring mounted force followed austrians germans ottomans far rearguard action delayed mounted force enemy withdrawal continued mounted division lines communication fully extended difficulties supplying mounted troops impossible british_empire mounted force consider advance time arrangements hold garrison country decisively won series engagements eastwards von succeeded withdrawing battered force potentially fatal situation advance withdrawal remarkable achievements planning leadership staff work endurance casualties according australian official medical history total british_empire casualties sources total killed casualties mounted division ottoman army casualties estimated buried battle taken prisoner casualties cared medical officers drivers sand cart drivers worked firing line covering enormous distances difficult conditions relieve suffering wounded casualties transported sand field heavy sand impossible use horse drawn august mounted division field brought patients including enemy wounded evacuation train carried manner caused suffering shock wounded effected till night august transport prisoners war given precedence wounded open trucks straw available military necessitated delay hours occupied journey miles cruel shame train wounded open trucks bump train extremely painful absence orders coordinating evacuation field assistant director medical services arrangements mounted division arranged counterparts infantry divisions set clearing station miles station formed medical units mounted 42nd 52nd lowland divisions orders section headquarters method evacuation casualties divisions prisoners war transported train wounded generating ranks feeling resentment distrust higher command lasted long time aftermath battle large scale mounted infantry victory british_empire world war occurred time allied nations experienced defeat france capitulation battle widely acknowledged strategic victory turning point campaign restore egypt territorial integrity security marked end land campaign suez_canal decisive victory attained british land forces changed face campaign theatre enemy initiative obtained clearing troops egyptian territory feasible proposition series successful british infantry mounted operations resulted complete defeat strong german austrian ottoman force half killed wounded nearly taken prisoner captured mountain gun battery heavy guns machine guns complete pack machine gun company rifles million rounds ammunition complete field hospitals instruments fittings drugs great quantity stores supply depot destroyed captured arms equipment germany pack machine gun company equipment especially designed desert warfare rifles latest pattern steel murray estimated total german ottoman casualties german estimate loss force low considering number prisoners tactics employed mounted division prove effective coming campaigns levant known time palestine key mounted rifles light horse approach quickly tactical ground effectively operate infantry defence artillery machine guns wrought havoc enemy attacks mounted advance covered supported british_empire mounted force battle fought extreme conditions desert heat days causing suffering man beast demanding endurance took battle marked end german ottoman campaign suez_canal offensive passed decisively hands british_empire force led mounted division battle von force pushed peninsula beaten battle december border ottoman_empire controlled palestine defeated battle january effectively secured egyptian peninsula successful seven month long british_empire campaign begun august ended battle march criticisms battle surrounded controversy criticism suggested like attack suez_canal merely raid disrupt maritime traffic determined attempt gain control canal ottoman_empire intention strongly occupy supported preparations southern territory palestine adjacent extending included extending palestine railway system good motor road railway works constructed route store water enormous rock cut construction december mounted division reached place battle murray lawrence criticised letting von force escape asserted tactics mounted troops actually helped enemy withdrawal concentrating direct assaults flank attacks official british historian acknowledges disappointment caused successful retirement german austrian ottoman force notes quality successive rearguard positions constructed advance strength determination endurance enemy strength clearly demonstrated august mounted force attempted large entrenched force failed greatly outnumbered mounted division succeeded getting round flank infantry support faced vastly superior forces annihilated suggested opportunity lost august capture invading austrian german ottoman force allowed withdraw infantry difficulties supply water transport combined lack desert training lawrence confusing orders infantry 52nd lowland division south east stopped promptly advancing cut retreating force early hours second day battle general lawrence criticised taking grave unnecessary risk relying entrenched infantry division light horse brigades defend strong enemy attack 1st 2nd light horse brigades night battle pushed far planned flanking attack new_zealand mounted rifles brigade frontal attack lawrence remaining headquarters considered far battlefield contributed loss control battle day telephone line cut contact lawrence criticised going forward supervise execution orders august failure coordinate movements 3rd light horse brigade mobile column responded pointing criticisms battle danger significance victory awards murray praise mounted division cables governors general australia new_zealand official letters writing day forces speak highly gallantry energy shown fine division operations troops defence egypt failed ensure fighting qualities soldiers earned share recognition honours despite claims clear view battle skill crucial gaining victory omitted long list honours published new year day murray offer lesser award distinguished service order declined reading murray description official covering battle reprinted paris edition daily_mail wrote wife december afraid men angry understand old man justice owed thing absolutely inconsistent victory battle knight commander order michael george particular order awarded important non military service foreign country military service recognised service fought mounted division september long general commander chief egyptian expeditionary force wrote point injustice line troops acknowledging difficult right consider commander chief know great deal bitterness


battle battle vietnamese larger communist campaign conducted december january vietnam war battle took place province province south vietnam year marked decisive turning point vietnam war following president south vietnam army generals continued control country military dominated government instead emerging forces national liberation known south vietnamese government reflected battlefield military experienced great setbacks taking advantage political instability communist leaders began preparing war key members north vietnam disagreed best strategy reunite country ultimately went ahead prepare armed struggle south vietnam american supporters end national liberation commenced series large scale military operations army republic vietnam ordered north vietnamese government winter spring offensive newly created 9th division south vietnamese forces fighting large set piece battle time period days 9th division held ground best units south vietnamese army send breaking intense attack bombers background political establishment south vietnam turmoil following coup ousted military situation quickly worsened national liberation known gained significant ground countryside military revolutionary council governed south vietnam lacked direction terms policy planning furthermore general chairman military revolutionary council civilian prime minister favoured political resolution instead military force brought conflict united_states best strategy end communist threat south vietnam result men increasingly unpopular military generals held real political power january general successfully ousted military revolutionary council firing single shot year spent efforts consolidating political power instead fighting contrast political unrest communist leadership north vietnam far concerned best strategy fight south vietnamese government american supporters leaders shared goal eventual homeland different factions communist_party disagreed best method achieve desired goal members north vietnam divided issues surrounding soviet strategy peaceful existence versus chinese strategy supporting national liberation movements emerging countries despite differences opinion communist_party leadership ultimately preparations armed struggle south vietnam perspective military regime able hold communist main forces ready fight conventional war north vietnam focus development military force shortest period time meantime war kept current level order prevent involvement united_states military october national liberation south vietnam ordered carry series military operations communist winter spring offensive delta regional command established sub command leadership deputy commander political mission inflict damage regular units army republic vietnam destroy strategic constructed regime national liberation south vietnam identified regions long long long route main targets offensive central military commission appointed general commander north vietnamese military operations southern vietnam high ranking officers major generals colonel sent south vietnam supervise military build commence november prelude july regiments people liberation armed forces began moving provinces long long carry mission phase campaign regiments overran strategic sang thai august september regiments executed deep apply additional pressure south vietnamese outposts situated route second phase campaign ambushed south vietnamese infantry companies destroyed armoured vehicles consisted light tanks defeated regular south vietnamese units strategic following completion initial stages campaign forces ordered prepare offensive long region soldiers regiments assembled war zone trained attack fortified enemy strongholds november reached long battlefield having completed kilometres march war zone battlefield battalion military region battalions military region company joined offensive kick start offensive long region selected target small village located province kilometres away south vietnam capital war people lived anti communist inhabitants roman catholic refugees fled north vietnam operation passage freedom fears communist persecution prepare main battle regiment ordered block inter provincial road destroy south vietnamese units attempting reach south western flank battlefield days leading battle came harass local militia forces december regiment destroyed entire south vietnamese rifle company inter provincial road destroying december regiment destroyed armoured vehicles inter provincial road battle early hours december elements regiment company signaled main attack penetrating village eastern perimeter clashed members south vietnamese popular force numbered personnel south vietnamese militia fighters proved match overwhelming firepower quickly retreated underground called help village captured colonel regimental commander established command post main village church waited fresh reinforcements came form heavy mortars machine guns rifles counter south vietnamese helicopter assaults colonel troops set network defensive fortifications village trenches protected land mines barbed wire local catholic priest village chief sent bicycle messenger district headquarters ask relief force response district chief sent elements vietnamese rangers battalions retake december companies 33rd ranger battalion company 30th ranger battalion area located west helicopters aviation company face enemy force unknown size soon soldiers 30th 33rd ranger battalions arrived landing zone quickly overwhelmed deadly ambush entire 30th ranger battalion committed join attack initially succeed penetrating strong defensive lines companies rangers arrived attack multiple directions companies 33rd ranger battalion advanced northeast came outskirts village unable break enemy defenses trying enemy lured kill zone open terrain coffee plantation quickly ambush battalions heavy weapons companies suffered percent casualty rate survivors forced retreat nearby catholic_church 30th rangers success assaulting western direction succeeded fighting way village aided local residents suffered heavy losses battalion commander american adviser severely wounded local civilians retrieved weapons ammunition dead rangers hid wounded government soldiers 38th ranger battalion hand landed battlefield unopposed immediately advanced south soldiers 38th rangers spent day fighting break enemies defences link survivors hiding church fell calling mortar fire fighters moving morning december 4th south vietnamese marine battalion moved air base waiting battlefield 4th marine battalion unit arrive outskirts 1st company commander decided secure landing zone wait rest battalion arrive instead moving objective rest 4th marine battalion arrived marched catholic_church relieve besieged rangers half hours later 4th marine battalion linked 30th 33rd 38th ranger battalions began withdrawing northeast afternoon 4th marine battalion recaptured village seen units withdrawn village previous night linking elements forest attack government relief forces evening december returned attacked south eastern perimeter village local villagers discovered approaching immediately sounded alarm alert soldiers defending village south vietnamese able repel support army helicopter flown pursuing helicopter assault helicopter company shot crashed rubber plantation kilometres away killing crewmen december marines advisory group sent team personnel led captain cook observe conditions battlefield time 4th marine battalion ordered locate crashed helicopter recover bodies dead american crewmen acting advice american advisor major commander 4th marine battalion sent 4th marine battalion company rubber plantation unknown 4th marine battalion regiment assembled plantation hour departed village commander 4th marine battalion reported radio troops found helicopter wreckage bodies american crewmen shortly opened fire 4th marine battalion forced pull attempt save 2nd company entire 4th marine battalion sent confront lead element 4th marine battalion closed plantation hit accurate artillery fire soon followed repeated human wave attacks having absorbed heavy casualties ambush 4th marine battalion fight way plantation fixed entire ordeal company receive artillery support plantation range artillery guns based escaped crucial support aircraft helicopters rocket attacks forced enemy pull halted attempt pursuit morning december 4th marines battalion returned crash site entire force american graves located corpses dug single helicopter arrived battlefield evacuate casualties picked bodies american crewmen south vietnamese casualties forced wait helicopter arrive major ordered 4th marine battalion carry casualties village instead continuing wait helicopters 4th marine battalion began return march battalions artillery support suddenly attacked directions battalion commanding executive officers immediately killed air support available marine companies managed fight way ambush overrun completely wiped fourth company desperately held artillery large infantry charges slipping enemy positions dawn 4th marines battalion men lost total soldiers killed wounded missing casualties officers 4th marine battalion killed action american advisers attached unit wounded backed air_force bombers january battalions airborne reinforcements arrived late withdrawn battlefield aftermath battle reflected growing military strength influence especially delta region time national liberation launched large scale operation holding ground fighting days government troops equipped armor artillery helicopters aided air support military advisers demonstrated supplied military supplies north vietnam ability fight inflict damage best units time history able control government stronghold days inflict heavy casualties regular units south vietnamese army large set piece battle suffered light casualties soldiers officially confirmed killed leave single casualty battlefield recognition regiment performance campaign high command bestowed title regiment unit honour achievement following campaign went occupy district strategic long inter provincial road expanded base area located provinces protect important sea transportation routes vietnam people navy supply units regions river unlike adversaries south vietnamese military suffered heavily attempts recapture village secure surrounding areas south vietnamese american allies lost total personnel killed action wounded missing days fighting south vietnam elite ranger companies destroyed suffered heavy losses 4th marine battalion rendered ineffective fighting force stage war worst defeat experienced south vietnamese army despite defeat inflicted south vietnamese army considered battle victory erected monument site battle acknowledge sacrifices soldiers fallen retake order battle ground forces regiment renamed 1st regiment 9th division regiment renamed 2nd regiment 9th division battalion battalion battalion battalion company artillery detachment army republic vietnam 1st airborne battalion 3rd airborne battalion 7th airborne battalion 4th marine battalion 29th ranger battalion 30th ranger battalion 33rd ranger battalion 35th ranger battalion 38th ranger battalion artillery section tanks support


gold beach gold commonly known gold beach code areas allied invasion german occupied france normandy landings june second world war gold central areas located port west east high cliffs western end zone meant landings took place flat section sectors code named king taking gold responsibility british_army sea transport sweeping naval bombardment force provided royal_navy elements dutch polish allied navies objectives gold secure west capture establish contact american forces capture small port port link canadian forces east forces attacking gold faced elements german infantry division german infantry division men stationed immediate area improvements fortifications normandy coast undertaken leadership beginning october day gold naval bombardment got underway amphibious landings commenced high winds conditions difficult landing craft amphibious tanks released close shore directly beach instead planned guns large sur battery disabled direct hits cruisers fourth gun resumed firing intermittently afternoon garrison surrendered june aerial attacks failed hit facing east provide fire beach thick concrete wall gun continued damage modified armoured vehicle royal engineers tank fired large charge rear entrance second containing gun tank infantry began clearing heavily fortified houses shore advanced targets inland british royal marine commando advanced port captured june battle port western flank 1st battalion hampshire regiment captured future site artificial infantry brigade eastern flank contact canadian forces company sergeant major stanley received victoria_cross awarded day actions attacking battery stiff resistance german infantry division captured day british casualties gold estimated german casualties unknown background operation overlord germans invaded soviet_union june soviet leader joseph began pressing creation second western_europe decision undertake cross channel invasion continental europe year taken conference held washington allies initially planned launch invasion draft plan accepted quebec conference august general dwight appointed commander supreme headquarters allied expeditionary force general bernard montgomery named commander 21st army group comprised land forces involved invasion december montgomery saw plan proposed amphibious landings divisions thirds airborne division generals immediately insisted scale initial invasion expanded divisions airborne divisions allow operations wider change doubled frontage invasion miles miles allow quicker men difficult germans respond speed capture port need acquire produce extra landing craft troop carrier aircraft expanded operation meant invasion delayed june americans assigned land utah cut peninsula capture port facilities british sword gold canadians capture form line south east protect american flank establishing airfields near possession surroundings provide suitable staging area push south capture town secure established attempt hold territory north line weeks allied armies swing left advance river montgomery envisaged ninety day battle ending forces reached allied planning originally seventeen sectors normandy coastline selected possible invasion sites provided code taken spelling time coast divided able west eastern flank invasion area sectors added planned invasion extended include utah sector subdivided beaches identified colours green red white gold refer particular beach landing area port west east included location artificial constructed shortly invasion high cliffs western end zone meant landings undertaken flat beach sectors code named king area immediately beach open ground small fields surrounded inland roads led south sur terrain south east rose ridge day located machine gun nests german regiment allied expeditionary air_force undertook photo reconnaissance sorties april start invasion photos coastline taken extremely low altitude invaders terrain obstacles beach defensive structures gun inland terrain bridges troop buildings photographed cases angles allies information possible members combined operations parties prepared detailed harbour maps including depth gold discovered shore soft support weight tanks armoured vehicle royal engineers fitted overcome problem deploying roll soft surface material left place create route conventional tanks gold assigned british corps 50th infantry division commanded major general graham allotted assault division experienced division seen combat france north_africa sicily men underwent extensive training amphibious landings including exercise major training exercise island demolition teams responsible underwater beach obstacles trained swimming pools undertaken detailed maps fictitious place names men find destination way normandy amphibious landing preceded extensive air bombardment naval bombardment bombarding force task force eighteen ships primarily cruisers destroyers amphibious tanks 8th armoured brigade arrive followed infantry brigade assigned land brigade king head west capture establish contact american forces east link canadian forces 47th royal marine commando assigned land gold infiltrate inland capture small port port arriving second wave 56th infantry brigade capture nearby ridge cutting highway difficult germans reinforcements second wave king infantry brigade tasked capturing road railway setting positions high ground rivers forces involved landing included artillery regiments signals corps engineering units german defences late hitler placed field marshal charge improving coastal defences atlantic wall anticipation allied invasion expected place believed normandy coast possible landing point invasion ordered construction extensive defensive works shore immediate area gold seven defensive designed hold men apiece constructed major concrete reinforced coastal artillery battery guns sur battery guns partially completed day ordered wooden stakes metal mines large anti tank obstacles placed beach delay approach landing craft movement tanks expecting allies land high tide infantry spend time exposed beach ordered obstacles placed high tide mark barbed wire traps removal ground cover approach hazardous infantry hitler gave command newly formed army group included 7th army 15th army forces guarding netherlands reserves group included 2nd 21st divisions recognizing allied air superiority difficult impossible reserves position invasion underway decided concentrate defences coast infantry division stationed area march significantly men unit received reinforcements older men replaced younger soldiers supplemented battalions eastern soldiers soviet prisoners war infantry division strength unit brought area march reinforced additional regiments men mixture infantry divisions stationed coastal area order battle british forces 50th infantry division commanded major general graham infantry brigade commanded brigadier 5th battalion east yorkshire regiment 6th battalion green 7th battalion green infantry brigade commanded brigadier senior 6th battalion durham light infantry 8th battalion durham light infantry 9th battalion durham light infantry infantry brigade commanded brigadier 1st battalion regiment 1st battalion hampshire regiment 2nd battalion regiment divisional troops 61st reconnaissance regiment royal armoured corps squadrons 2nd battalion regiment machine guns heavy mortars batteries field regiment royal artillery self propelled batteries northumberland anti tank regiment battery 25th light anti aircraft regiment field company royal engineers field company field company field park company 50th divisional signals royal corps signals field royal army medical corps 22nd field section 50th divisional company royal military police formations attached assault phase elements armoured division westminster tanks royal tank regiment churchill troops assault squadrons 6th assault regiment 56th infantry brigade commanded brigadier pepper 2nd battalion essex regiment 2nd battalion gloucestershire regiment 2nd battalion south wales 8th armoured brigade commanded brigadier 4th 7th royal guards tanks tanks anti aircraft brigade commanded brigadier heavy anti aircraft regiment battery light anti aircraft regiment batteries light anti aircraft regiment anti aircraft operations room troop independent battery additional units attached assault phase liaison regiment phantom batteries east field regiment self propelled batteries essex field regiment self propelled batteries anti tank regiment air observation post squadron ground crew flight field company field company field ambulance light field ambulance 1st royal marine armoured support regiment royal marine commando beach sub area beach groups signal section field companies 21st 23rd stores sections 51st mechanical equipment sections port operating company inland water transport companies 2nd battalion regiment 6th battalion border regiment general transport companies royal army service corps 2nd 5th detail issue depots petrol 3rd 10th casualty clearing stations 3rd 25th 31st 32nd 35th field dressing stations nos field surgical units nos field unit 22nd 23rd port details 7th 10th 36th ordnance beach detachments royal army ordnance corps 24th 25th beach recovery sections royal electrical mechanical engineers corps workshop composite workshops light recovery section companies 75th pioneer companies pioneer corps german forces june infantry division covered sector stretched base peninsula river near distance kilometres infantry division arrived march sector split sector sector infantry division remained defenses sector site gold landings substantially strengthened infantry division regiment south east reserves regiment covered westernmost gold artillery regiment covered westernmost gold static infantry division infantry regiment battalions members battalion garrisoned coastal defenses battalion stationed near reserves infantry regiment covered sword easternmost gold artillery regiment mobile batteries east west landings bombing normandy began midnight british american bombers attacking targets coast inland gold naval bombardment bombarding force got underway time waves infantry loading landing craft assault run beach german defensive positions attacked medium heavy bombers self propelled guns board landing craft results good battery took commission guns fourth gun resumed firing sporadically afternoon garrison surrendered following day heavily gun gun overlooking king gun overlooking lightly damaged heavily reinforced concrete especially positions permitted wide range fire beach german strong points immediate area lightly damaged individually assaulted day progressed king sector hour landing gold set king sector minutes later american landings differences tide wave king 5th east 6th green brigade assisted amphibious tanks 4th 7th guards 7th green landed original plan called tanks launched landing craft tank yards extremely seas decided run tanks directly beach infantry engineers tanks arrived simultaneously units beach immediately came fire gun infantry forced cover sea wall gun taken tank westminster fired charge directly 5th east supported tanks spent rest morning clearing heavily fortified houses loss men including officers specialised armour arriving wave included armoured clearing paths beach proved difficult tanks got stuck mud taken mines lone tank finally cleared path beach battery sur route green tanks 4th 7th guards cleared remaining resistance battery company moved attack trench positions machine gun ridge company moved west sur help cover assault roads led important targets 7th green attacked gun battery sur took prisoners colour sergeant major stanley earned victoria_cross bestowed actions day way battery came machine gun fire investigating shot entrance gun dropped grenade roof killing occupants cleared nearby trench enemy soldiers occupants second surrendered later day saved lives men attempt field artillery installation farm near scheduled land 56th infantry brigade routed king gun battery operational proceeded objective brigade arrived time meeting fierce resistance achieved objective controlling road railway 56th brigade slow progress dig night distance brigade secured eastern flank nightfall contact canadian forces sector wave infantry 1st 1st infantry brigade arrived immediately came fire gun navigation errors strong current groups came ashore east intended landing points tank royal marine tanks supposed arrive advance landing delayed rough seas arrive tanks got beach taken enemy fire tide came quicker expected beach obstacles mines cleared landing craft damaged result companies 1st landed close strong point fight inland enemy garrisons beach attempts flank difficult surrounding machine gun mines barbed wire elements 1st captured german eastern edge village turned west beach primary objective came heavy fire break attack major warren charge commanding officer lieutenant colonel nelson smith wounded decided troops circle attack rear process took hours troops began success arrival tank assault squadron tank fired defenders located german soldiers fled fortified houses taken house house combat surrendered gun finally tank fired large charge rear entrance company 1st tank proceeded west beach took taking prisoners west company captured strong point radar station capturing defenders 2nd arrived beach heavy fire company stayed help assault rest moved capture village road captured 1st attacked german position beach des headed inland arc westward high ground south cleared enemy positions arrived destination late morning joined elements 1st covered indirect fire naval forces offshore took late afternoon 47th commando 47th royal marine commando assigned capture small harbour port boundary miles west miles landing point commanding officer lieutenant colonel phillips opted attack south site protected force men consisted troops men mortar machine gun troop transport group tracked vehicles headquarters group plan land gold assemble cross country ridge designated point south port arriving indirect fire supporting vessels sea capture town rough seas enemy fire began distance east intended position sunk beach obstacles enemy fire cost casualties major donnell temporarily took charge phillips got separated unit rejoined group road commando took additional casualties skirmishes including way point arrive late launch attack dug night town port captured battle port june german response luftwaffe meteorological centre paris predicted weeks stormy weather commanders away attending war games soldiers given leave day germany wife birthday meeting hitler try divisions placed high alert allied airborne landings taken midnight utah sword strong near divisional reserve sent investigate parachute drops utah recalled dawn broke scope invasion apparent battalion ordered reinforce german efforts remainder ordered rendezvous reinforcements sec miles east launch counter attack fired allied air forces column finally arrived late afternoon time met elements brigade british lost tanks ensuing engagement completely wiped killed detailed maps german coastal fell british hands allied air superiority meant difficult germans reserves believed best chance stop invasion shore scope invasion meant coastal defences defeated troops scattered difficult defend territory inland launch counter attacks ordered division create defensive line north proved impossible territory involved british hands defending units taken losses luftwaffe played minor role day gold small groups bombers arrived sunset caused allied casualties damaged road near sur june operations room hms offshore near gold damaged bomber attack ship able remain station unit responsible likely bomber wing command command atlantic based evening june heavy bombers equipped anti ship guided missiles attacked shipping normandy included gold area lost aircraft causes attack 1st division adolf_hitler released midnight reserve ordered counter attack supplemented 12th division division armoured divisions began arriving june aftermath analysis pockets german resistance remained area british stopped miles short day objectives primary day objective 50th division captured june end day 50th division lost men total casualties units involved operations gold region casualties killed german losses unknown captured gold beach june end day men landed gold beach vehicles long tons supplies follow landings slowed loss bad weather 24th 61st reconnaissance regiment land day help drive unable ashore june wrote delay effectively ruled chance thrust south represented major blow second army intentions montgomery plan 7th armoured division 49th west riding infantry division follow divisions corps 22nd armoured brigade armoured component 7th armoured division scheduled land evening june unable land day bulk division landed june elements landing later 49th division came ashore june components brought channel structures use unloading mid june constructed british forces american forces severe storm june destroyed harbour harbour repaired remained use months maximum capacity long tons stores day british supplies landed normandy end august arrived harbour came small port sur shipments brought beaches port cleared mines july important use harbour unloading heavy machinery brought beaches artificial sheltered hundreds ships storm june provided shelter craft unloading stores sword joint anglo american oil depot constructed port fed pipes known oil moored offshore method long tons petrol half second army delivered end august time underwater constructed operation ready subsequent operations fighting area versus 21st 12th division units soon reached stalemate operation perch june failed british forced withdraw sur delay storms june operation launched june attempt viii corps swing attack south west establish south operation failed germans suffered heavy tank losses committed available unit operation severely bombed night july occupied north river operation july july operation atlantic operation captured rest high ground south city nearly destroyed tourism site normandy landings popular tourist destination battery sur preserved observation bunker houses visitor centre gun exist batteries defensive positions allowed decay home commonwealth war graves commission cemetery german war cemetery near elements harbour extant museum examines construction use radar station site visitor centre theatre


landing cove landing cove sunday april known landing turks battle amphibious invasion gallipoli peninsula forces british_empire began land phase gallipoli campaign world war assault troops australian new_zealand army corps landed night western sea peninsula ashore mile north intended landing beach darkness assault formations mixed troops gradually way inland increasing opposition ottoman turkish defenders long coming ashore plans discarded companies battalions thrown battle piece meal received mixed orders advanced designated objectives diverted areas ordered dig defensive ridge lines failed achieve objectives nightfall formed albeit smaller intended places cliff faces organised defence system position convinced divisional commanders ask evacuation taking advice royal_navy army commander decided stay exact number day casualties known landed divisions thousand men killed wounded similar number turkish casualties anniversary landings april commemorated day important national celebrations australia new_zealand anniversary commemorated turkey united_kingdom ireland background ottoman turkish empire entered world war central powers october stalemate trench warfare western convinced british imperial war cabinet attack central powers particularly turkey best way winning war february took form naval operations aimed forcing passage dardanelles setbacks decided land campaign necessary end mediterranean expeditionary force formed command general hamilton amphibious landings planned secure gallipoli peninsula allow navy attack turkish capital constantinople hope convince turks ask armistice intention lieutenant general william commanding inexperienced australian new_zealand army corps comprising australian division brigades new_zealand australian division ordered conduct amphibious assault western gallipoli peninsula new_zealand australian division normally mounted brigades assigned left egypt believed requirement opportunities use mounted troops peninsula bring division strength hamilton tried unsuccessfully brigade attached total strength men location chosen operation fisherman miles north landing dawn naval gunfire bombardment troops seize lower southern spurs hill second wave pass capture spur hill especially positioned cut enemy lines communications plateau preventing turks bringing reinforcements north plateau attack british 29th division advance separate south west capture vital valuable capture plateau planned arrive peninsula moon set troops landing hour dawn declined offer old merchant ship loaded troops deliberately grounded instead troops travel naval merchant ships transferring rowing boats towed small assault ashore australian division commanded major general william bridges 3rd australian brigade known covering force capture ridge battleship hill south mountain range 2nd australian brigade landing capture bar range hill left 26th jacob mountain battery british indian army land 1st australian brigade division reserve ashore new_zealand australian division commanded major general alexander followed 1st new_zealand brigade 4th australian brigade second division landed advance begin planners come conclusion area sparsely defended able achieve objectives problems turkish opposition considered turkish forces world war ottoman turkish army modelled german imperial army members years infantry years artillery served reserve years pre war army men thirty divisions formed army corps field armies division infantry artillery regiment total thousand men half size equivalent british formation unlike largely inexperienced turkish army commanders company commander level experienced veterans italo turkish balkan wars british preparations secret march turks aware force thousand british thirty thousand french troops gathering considered likely places land cape eastern coast dardanelles march turks formed fifth army force men corps divisions cavalry brigade commanded german general von fifth army deployed iii corps gallipoli corps coast 5th division cavalry brigade european mainland positioned support iii corps required iii corps 9th division 25th 26th 27th infantry regiments 19th division 57th infantry regiments 7th division 19th 20th 21st infantry regiments 9th division provided coastal defence cape north 7th division took 19th division corps reserve area landings place defended battalion 27th infantry regiment cove april orders issued stop training ships small boats coal stores preparation landing originally scheduled occur april weather conditions delayed departure dawn april royal_navy battleships queen triumph prince wales london majestic cruiser seven destroyers transport ships led way carrying 3rd brigade followed rest force embarked transport ships companies april british ships stopped sea thirty rowing boats towed embarked companies 9th 10th 11th battalions turkish reported seeing ships moving sea report sent 9th division headquarters ships headed peninsula continuing larger ships stopped yards rowing boats continued turkish opened fire boats troops ashore beach called time later known cove formally renamed cove turkish government mile north intended instead open beach faced steep cliffs ridges feet height mistake ashore relatively area south planned land strong point artillery battery close equipped guns 5th company 27th infantry regiment positioned counter attack landing southern point hills surrounding cove landed beach safe direct fire turkish artillery minutes landing royal_navy began firing targets hills way rowing boats mixed 11th battalion grounded north point 9th battalion hit point south 10th battalion plan cross open ground assault ridge line faced hill came water line confusion officers tried work location small arms fire 4th company 2nd battalion 27th infantry regiment platoon eighty ninety men cove second platoon north fisherman platoon reserve position second ridge manned strong point equipped multi machine guns smaller posts south men 9th 10th battalions started slope grabbing branches digging soil provide leverage peak found abandoned trench turks having withdrawn inland soon australians reached plateau edge defended trench turks withdrawn summit yards inland fired australians coming plateau arrived major 11th battalion started mess sending 9th battalion men right flank 11th battalion left keeping 10th battalion centre second companies second companies landed dark destroyers coming yards troops fire landed cove planned 11th north 10th centre 9th south 12th battalion landed beach extended yards north miles south landing fire assaulting troops killed boats reached beach ashore headed inland south men 9th 12th battalions reached plateau north men 11th 12th battalions started walker ridge fire nearby turkish trench time turkish artillery started bombarding destroying boats australians fought way forward reached russell turks withdrew baby yards away coming fire australians went ground having advanced thousand yards inland dug yards piece high ground north valley south time colonel commanding 3rd brigade decided change corps plan concerned possible counter attack south decided hold second ridge instead pushing forward gun ridge suited turkish defence plans required forward troops gain time reserves coordinate counter attack turkish reaction lieutenant colonel turkish 27th infantry regiment received orders 1st 3rd battalions west support 2nd battalion battalions assembled having spent night carrying military exercises sent marked turkish maps colonel commanding 9th division ordered division machine gun company artillery battery support 27th infantry regiment followed soon artillery battery lieutenant colonel commanding 19th division ordered send battalion support instead decided 57th infantry regiment artillery battery realised key point defence held heights dominate battlefield chance 57th infantry supposed exercise morning hill prepared waiting orders battalions approaching contact 2nd battalion conducted fighting withdrawal hour half later regiment deployed stop advancing arrived retreating troops pushing defensive position arrived 57th infantry regiment given orders prepared counter attack known turks place site turkish headquarters remainder campaign baby baby hill range battleship hill big named supposed height sea level actual height feet sent 11th battalion captain joseph company 12th battalion major james 9th baby divided company sending half right fork rest half left reserve platoon headed valley moved forward turkish artillery targeted air burst shells dispersed companies coupled senior officers men areas instead baby meant fragments units eventually reached baby arriving baby captain 11th battalion decided remaining men battleship hill leaving company dig defend moved right advancing summit 11th battalion crossed rise unopposed second turkish defenders yards away opened fire going ground australians returned fire turkish fire remaining men resumed advance reaching evacuated turkish position large depression battleship hill fire moved forward seven yards summit turks opened fire trench australians held thirty minutes increasing turkish fire mounting casualties convinced withdraw unit advance far inland day decided companies baby instead going round right like went straight centre crossed summit northern slope went ground spur left leading bay defended turkish trench system turkish troops started moving battleship hill hour exchanged fire spur joined baby group australians 9th 11th 12th battalions crossed charged turkish trench turkish machine gun baby opened fire forcing followed general withdrawal australian troops turks secured battleship hill driving australians baby headquarters head valley turks attacking started sending available men baby second wave 2nd brigade landed reserve 1st brigade landed putting schedule 2nd brigade supposed heading baby left instead sent right counter turkish attack building bridges staff landed finding senior officers beach brief set locate 3rd brigade headquarters 1st brigade opposite flank 3rd brigade getting involved battles commander colonel owen received request reinforcements owen sent companies 3rd battalion 1st battalion support 3rd brigade soon company forced turks threatening recapture russell reported bridges doubts able hold response bridges sent reserve companies 2nd battalion gordon richardson reinforce 3rd brigade company arrived foot baby joining seventy survivors companies immediately charged chased turks summit baby stopped dug 2nd battalion companies arrived alongside companies taken casualties dead time 3rd brigade men killed wounded line held depleted companies 1st brigade left gordon company 2nd battalion 11th 12th battalion survivors charged times captured summit baby driven turkish counter attacks gordon casualties second time requested reinforcements baby reserves bridges available 2nd battalion companies 4th battalion advance companies 1st new_zealand brigade decided baby wave new_zealand brigade commander taken ill appointed brigadier general walker staff officer ashore commander battalion landed sent north beach walker ridge way russell seeing way ridge single file goat track walker ordered route plateau new_zealand unit landed directed way baby trying avoid turkish fire split valley rest midday companies reached baby companies canterbury battalion landed sent support ordered plateau forming left 3rd brigade canterbury companies moved line left waiting rest brigade land infantry artillery formation came ashore ships carrying new bay rowing boats large numbers wounded hospital ship transports 4th australian brigade board sea land evening landings wellington battalion came ashore followed battalion line land canterbury companies sent north walker ridge extend corps left flank events ashore forced change schedule orders issued 4th australian brigade start landing boost defence day complete brigade come ashore transports carrying divisions artillery batteries forced sea turkish artillery fire unable land hill hill yard long section second ridge connects baby plateau steep slope valley coming days quinn steel posts built slope troops reach hill 11th battalion found turkish defenders withdrawn australians hill came fire baby short shallow slope valley major james company 11th battalion arrived hill started digging soon received orders hold position costs turkish troops advancing got yards australians hill opening fire altogether half companies 11th battalion post post wire long 3rd battalion arrived reinforce plateau plateau named height sea level wide level plateau second ridge line yards wide thousand yards gun ridge northern half plateau known southern half lone pine owen 3rd brigade landings gone plan 11th battalion supposed crossing plateau heading north 10th battalion south plateau capture turkish trench artillery battery gun ridge 9th battalion south attack artillery battery 12th battalion reserve 26th jacob mountain battery establish gun line plateau unknown turks artillery battery sited plateau landing 9th 10th battalion men headed plateau 10th battalion platoon arrive commanded lieutenant accompanied brigade major charles brand discovered turkish battery lone pine sector preparing australians opened fire battery withdrew owen brand remained plateau ordered continue turkish battery guns hidden head platoon moved time lieutenant smith 10th battalion scouts lieutenant thomas platoon 9th battalion arrived plateau looking guns crossed plateau turkish machine guns opened fire lone pine area thomas sections located battery started firing opened fire charged gun crews captured guns turks manage remove breech blocks making guns australians damaged sights internal screw mechanisms action majority 9th 10th battalions brigade commander arrived plateau ordered dig plateau instead advancing gun ridge unfortunately units passed orders fast costs going lieutenant 10th thirty men 9th 10th 11th battalions crossed valley climbed spur gun ridge south reached yards inland gun ridge defended large number turkish troops men carried reconnaissance dardanelles miles east men wounded returned rest group engaged turkish machine gun rifle fire sent man reinforcements located captain 9th battalion half company men lone pine received order dig advanced formed line right soon came fire danger cut sent message reinforcements messenger located captain john 11th battalion adjutant collected men went forward reinforce men spur turks started withdraw turks set machine gun spur opened fire withdrawing australians pursued turks survivors including reached took cover companies 9th 10th battalions started digging trench line 2nd brigade second wave 2nd brigade landing 5th 6th 8th battalions supposed cross plateau head hill 7th battalion left climb plateau hill 7th battalion company jackson landed fisherman north wiped men survived landing major 7th battalion company sent plateau strengthen defence 7th battalion commander lieutenant colonel landed realised events going plan headed 3rd brigade headquarters find happening ordered gather battalion south 2nd brigade form division right flank left 2nd brigade commander colonel james arrived convinced brigade south responsibility 3rd brigade eventually agreeing established headquarters slope plateau hill heading plateau realised ridge right ridge key point defence located brigade major walter ordered gather men defend ridge looking saw 8th battalion commanded colonel william moving forward directed ridge battalion remained day eventually rest brigade started arriving company battalion appeared pushed forward line defined orders support 3rd brigade guns 26th mountain battery arrived positioning guns white valley noon opened fire turks gun ridge hours half australian division involved battle plateau officers misunderstood orders believing intention occupy gun ridge hold present position tried advance 9th 10th battalions started forming defence line gap 7th battalion sent fill seeing 2nd brigade coming forward units 3rd brigade started advance gun ridge advancing australians know counter attacking turkish forces reached area prepared australians reached lone pine section plateau turkish machine guns rifles opened fire australians north troops advancing owen caught small arms fire soon turkish artillery battery started firing followed turkish counter attack gun ridge situation found giving advancing gun ridge ordered brigade dig owen ridge pine ridge pine ridge plateau stretches curve sea mile pine ridge valley gun ridge like rest terrain covered thick pine trees feet tall growing groups men eventually way pine ridge lieutenant plant platoon 9th battalion captain john company 12th battalion moved forward ridge saw 6th battalion moving 6th battalion reached ridge companies carried gun ridge lieutenant colonel walter established battalion headquarters ridge 6th battalion moved forward engaged turkish small arms artillery fire causing heavy casualties brigade headquarters received message 6th battalion asking reinforcement sent half 5th battalion assist time 8th battalion digging companies moved forward attack group turks come south 6th battalion noon 8th battalion dug ridge scattered remnants 5th 6th 7th 9th battalions view shortly informed wanted 6th battalion hold position reinforced sent reserves company 1st battalion ordered 8th leave company ridge advance right 6th battalion scattered formations managed hold positions remainder afternoon saw large numbers turkish troops coming southern section gun ridge turkish counter attack 1st battalion 57th infantry arrive area able observe landings ordered artillery battery set 1st battalion attack baby mortar ridge north east 2nd battalion simultaneously circle attack baby west 3rd battalion moment held reserve informed corps attacking told yards attack conjunction 19th division midday 9th division fully involved british landings cape support attack ordered battalions infantry regiment battalion guarding bay forward 57th 27th infantry regiments time ordered reserve infantry regiment west half hour 27th 57th infantry regiments started counter attack supported batteries artillery met corps commander convinced need react strength landings agreed released 27th infantry regiments command deployed regiments north south 57th 27th total turkish strength opposing landing numbered thousand thousand men north left defence platoon arrived reinforcements moved company baby joined group 2nd battalion commanded lieutenant killed soon left flank baby held men remnants units commanded corporal survived charges turks charge australians ordered withdraw company canterbury battalion arrived commanding officer lieutenant colonel douglas stewart new_zealand companies formed defence line russell baby left men survivors 2nd battalion men 3rd brigade right men left companies mixed group 1st 2nd 11th 12th battalions stewart men secure ordered withdraw turkish artillery bombardment stewart killed artillery heralded start turkish counter attack columns troops appeared battleship hill flanks attacked lines battalions infantry regiment arrived attacked north time australians new holding baby broke ran improvised line walker ridge north pope hill south defence line defended new command sergeant machine guns crews killed wounded survivors arrived baby numbers rose bridges divisional headquarters starting receiving messages lieutenant colonel george walker ridge advised holding position reinforced advance reported heavily attacked 3rd battalion signalled 3rd brigade driven 4th brigade required bridges sent different battalions reinforce promised extra battalions new_zealand australian division coming ashore dusk turkish attack reached new waited turks came close opened fire darkness stopping advance seriously outnumbered asked reinforcements instead supporting troops rear withdrawn turks managed taking machine guns withdrew russell rest left defenders walker ridge isolated rest force south australians plateau time subjected artillery fire turkish troops digging gun ridge column turkish reinforcements 27th infantry regiment battalion strength observed moving ridge line south turks turned plateau advanced extended order turkish counter attack soon forced advanced australian troops withdraw machine gun fire caused heavy casualties long attack forced wedge australians baby plateau heavy turkish fire lone pine forced survivors withdraw western slope plateau turkish artillery small arms fire heavy indian forced push guns plateau hand reformed beach places mixture different companies dug australians deployed 8th battalion south centred ridge north covering southern sector plateau mixed 6th 7th battalions commanded colonel walter 6th north 5th battalion 10th battalion covered northern sector plateau battalions having taken heavy casualties commanders little accurate knowledge men located battalions turkish infantry regiment position 27th infantry counter attacked severe pressure requested reinforcements second time informed battalion left 4th bridges keeping reserve troops new_zealand australian division landed spoke bridges direct informed situation desperate reinforced turks bridges released 4th battalion sent south forming left 8th battalion ridge arrived time help counter turkish attacks 27th infantry regiment south signalled bridges large numbers men leaving battlefield heading beaches followed asking urgent artillery fire support gun ridge left heavy attack owen reported left flank rapidly forced retire dusk way bridges headquarters asked opinion replied touch turks come mass formation don think stop got dark turkish artillery ceased firing small arms fire continued sides effects limited firing blind darkness provided opportunity start digging substantial trenches resupply troops water ammunition significant action day south lone pine turks charged ridge 8th battalion positioned machine guns cover caused devastation attackers left 4th battalion involved turks got yards 8th battalion counter attacked bayonet charge turks withdrew defence aided royal_navy providing illumination sides waited attack day events shattered formations longer condition conduct offensive operations aftermath nightfall sixteen thousand men landed formed sections stretched ridge south plateau valley short gap resumed pope hill walker ridge large miles length depth yards places yards separated sides evening ashore check situation satisfied returned hms queen asked return met senior officers asked arrange evacuation unwilling decision signalled hamilton divisional generals represented fear men thoroughly fire subjected day exhaustion work morning numbers firing line collected difficult country new_zealand brigade recently engaged lost heavily extent troops subjected tomorrow morning likely fresh troops replace firing line know representation embark hamilton conferred naval commanders convinced evacuation impossible responded dig right stick dig dig dig safe survivors fight april battalions royal naval division attached corps turkish night 2nd battalion 57th infantry baby 3rd battalion reduced ninety men 1st battalion mortar ridge south infantry 27th infantry opposite plateau regiment infantry battleship hill manpower turks similar situation regiments heavily involved 57th destroyed 27th exhausted heavy casualties large numbers deserted regiment condition fight largely intact poorly trained force arab iii corps having deal landings assist reserves available april 33rd infantry regiments arrived reinforce turkish forces unable achieve dug gallipoli like western turned war attrition german commander von clear reasons outcome wrote turkish situation saved immediate independent action 19th division division commander noted imaginative successful officer fight campaign commander able troops order 57th infantry regiment men ordering attack ordering die time takes die forces commanders come place following days failed attacks counter attacks sides turks try second attack cove april followed tried advance overnight turkish attack cove worst defeat thousand casualties including thousand dead months consisted local attacks august connection landing bay attacked limited success turks succeeded driving australians new sea similarly broke instead december months fighting evacuated peninsula casualties extent casualties day known come ashore late day estimated dead beaches new_zealand ministry culture heritage claims thousand new involved casualty australian war memorial australian dead april australian government estimates wounded left cove april wounded waiting evacuated commonwealth war graves commission documents australian new_zealand soldiers died april higher normal proportion casualties officer ranks theory kept exposing fire trying find locate troops men taken prisoner turks estimated turkish 27th 57th infantry regiments lost men cent combined strength number turkish casualties day recorded campaign australians new killed exact number turkish dead known estimated day anniversary landings april recognised australia new_zealand day important national occasions celebrate military victory instead commemorates australians new served died wars conflicts operations contribution suffering served country dawn services held war memorials commemorate involved australia service held australian war memorial prime minister governor general normally attend official dawn services held australia new_zealand lower key services held united_kingdom ireland turkey large groups australians new begun gather cove estimated people attended service commemorate landings attendance figures rose