ANZAC: The Landing

by Stephen Chambers

The Anzac legend was born on the shores of Gallipoli during the historic morning of 25th April 1915. Landing on a hostile beach, under the cover of darkness, the Anzacs moved inland rapidly, but the response of the Ottoman forces was equally quick. The outcome of the campaign was arguably sealed during the first day, when the door for an Anzac victory was closed. With the order to dig, dig, dig and to stick it out, a stalemate was secured from the clutches of almost total disaster. After the Australians and New Zealanders received their baptism of fire, they became a stubborn thorn in the sides of the Ottoman army. Futilely after eight grueling months of fighting, the campaign came to an end with the complete evacuation of the Gallipoli Peninsula.

Failure did not mar the actions and sacrifice of the Anzacs who bestowed a powerful legacy, as well as being a landmark in the birth of modern Turkey. Almost a century later, with all the veterans now sadly gone, their legacy still survives in Anzac Day and with the ever increasing numbers of pilgrims who visit the battlefield today.

This attractive and well-written book will serve as either a handy guide or concise history (or both).

208 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2008

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Focussing almost exclusively on roughly the 24 hours of the allied landings at Anzac Cove on the Gallipoli peninsular on 25 April 1915, Stephen Chambers provides a detailed account of the chaos and missed opportunity that was the landings, resulting in a narrow strip of land, and the standard stalemate of the period. Chambers gets across the complexity of the operation, and the courage of the troops who had to implement it, as well as the role of the Turkish forces, he important, but oft overlooked fact that the campaign on Gallipoli failed, not just because of a flawed plan, but also because of the tenacity and courage of the Turkish defenders. Chambers achieves both a detailed and concise account of the landings, interspersed with personal accounts and tragedies.

As always with this series, it is important to remember what it is for, an accompaniment to a tour of the battlefield covered, rather than a detailed, comprehensive study. The blend of historical background to the part of the battle, with tips on tours, makes these an essential addition to any battlefield tourist’s bag - making an accessible and practical study.

For fairness, I should note I have not used this in Gallipoli- so cant comment on it’s practical application, however, would expect the usual high quality that sets the bar for this series.

[Brad Dunleavy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written

Well written book on the landings at Gallipoli. Nice for a beginner and good photos showing now and then. overall good value.