What happened
On 25 April 1915 Allied forces landed on the Gallipoli peninsula to try to seize the Dardanelles strait. The Australian and New Zealand troops were pinned to steep shores and drawn into fierce trench warfare with the Ottoman army.
Background
The campaign lasted eight months without achieving its aim, and the Allies withdrew at year’s end. More than 8,000 Australians alone were killed.
Consequences
The day of the landing, 25 April, is still commemorated as Anzac Day. As a story of courage, sacrifice, and mateship, the campaign became central to the national identity of Australia and New Zealand.