Evacuation 1915

The Evacuation of Gallipoli

As winter closed in, the futility of Gallipoli became apparent. Fierce fighting had resulted in only minor gains. Men were being sent to hospital sick at a higher rate than those wounded.
In November 1915 the decision was made to evacuate.   

Withdrawal took place gradually to avoid suspicion. By December 19th  just 10 000 men held the lines. Early the next morning the last men sailed away. With only three reported deaths during the final stage, the evacuation was the most successful operation of the campaign.

In the 9 months since the invasion began 7,594 Australian and 2,431 New Zealand men had been killed. Overall 115,000 British and dominion, 27,000 French and 250,000 Turkish and Arab troops were killed or wounded during the campaign.

Despite being a military failure, the stories of ANZAC comradeship and sacrifice at Gallipoli continue to define the Australian experience of the Great War.

Photo: Wagons on the beach at Gallipoli - State Library of Victoria