Turkish Artillery in Gallipoli

[Dave Alton]

I think that there was a serious underestimation of the Ottoman forces, they were considered to be inferior opponents, certainly early successes against outlying Ottoman forces, such as at Basra, reinforced this impression. However the best Turkish troops were retained in the Empire's core - Anatolia and Thrace, to defend these vital areas and the capital. The skill and determination of these troops in defence was to come as a considerable shock.

Moorehead is a very good read, but is dated now and IMHO unreliable due to the lack of any Turkish sources being used.

The 'Young Turks' although not popular in all parts of the Ottoman Empire, had fostered the rise of Turkish nationalism and had re-vitalised the army. It's worth remembering that they kept fighting throughout the whole war, despite defeats and the loss of much territory.

The Lord Nelson and Agamemnon were powerful ships, much superior to the Canopus. They were far better protected than Inflexible and would have proved dangerous opponents to Goeben/Yavuz.

Dave.