In 1915, the Gallipoli Peninsula was the gateway to Constantinople and the opportunity to knock the Ottoman Empire out of the First World War. On the 25th April of that year, one of the largest, most audacious operations of the war was launched as British and French forces landed on the southern tip of the peninsula at Cape Helles while Australian and New Zealand forces forced their landings further north.
Across Bury we are aware of the heroic actions of the Lancashire Fusiliers, winning 6 Victoria Crosses on that morning, but their landing was a part of a much wider operation.
Poor command and timid direction from senior leaders meant that the bravery of all the assaulting troops was wasted as key terrain was often gifted to the equally brave and determined Ottoman forces.
Gallipoli – Heroic Endeavours, Strategic Failure will present the story of the whole of the Gallipoli campaign from February 1915 to the final withdrawal in January 1916. Through identifying the key moments, the talk will describe the critical actions, and stories of individual bravery and how ultimately it was wasted while Ottoman, now Turkish, forces fought with a grim determination to hold onto their land.
Talk will last between 45-55 minutes
Tickets: £8.50 - includes refreshments
