The August 1915 Offensive Part 3

Farce and Tragedy

Rhododendron Ridge leading up to Chunuk Bair on the right.

By the morning of the 7th August 1915, British troops were landing at Suvla Bay, , the left assaulting column was taking off for its part in proceedings, New Zealand Troops were waiting to attack Chunuk Bair and men of the Australian Lighthorse were preparing to charge at The Nek. This day would be one of farce and heartbreaking tragedy. The Commander of the Suvla Landing would start the day with a satisfying snooze while his troops foundered onshore and the left assaulting column would follow a guide on a short cut that ended up adding three hours to the advance and getting the troops lost. At The Nek, two Lighthorse Regiments would be destroyed and the following day would see the destruction of the New Zealanders on Chunuk Bair.

Looking down from Chunuk Bair to Argyl Dere and Australia Valley. It was in that valley the Brigadier Monash and the left assaulting column became lost as a result of choosing to follow a civilian guide through a ‘short cut’.

Chunuk Bair (right) and The Farm (centre). The final Turkish push rolled down from Chunuk Bair and overran the New Zealand reinforcements digging in on The Farm, effectively ending the August Offensive.

The Nek, photo taken in 1919, looking from the Turkish trenches to the Australian. It was on this small patch of ground that the 8th and 10th Lighthorse Regiments were destroyed.