21st – 23rd June 1915

[michaeldr]

“June 21st.- The French carried out an attack on a 650 yards front with the object of seizing the crest of Kereves Spur. This attack was carried out by the 6th Colonial Regiment on the right and the 176th Regiment on the left. The French troops were opposed by the Turkish 2nd Division immediately on their front

The infantry assault started at 0600 hours after an artillery bombardment of three-quarters of an hour.

At first the assault was successful against the enemy’s front line trenches, except on the extreme left, where the Turks were able to hold a strong redoubt called the Quadrilateral. On the right the Turks’ trenches, when occupied, were found to be so much destroyed by the original bombardment that there was little cover available.

The 6th Colonial Regiment, on the right, were unable to remain in their captured trenches, and withdrew to their own positions

The attack was renewed at midday without success.

At 1845 hours a fresh regiment was brought up to carry out the attack and join up with the positions being held by the 176th regiment. This was successfully accomplished.

June 23rd [and the two following days].- The French tried to improve their positions on the crest of Kereves Spur. They gained a little ground in the centre of their position, but were unable to capture the Quadrilateral. Their casualties had been 2,500. The Turks lost over 6,000.”

From ‘Notes and Comments on the Dardanelles Campaign’

by A. Kearsey, DSO., OBE., psc., late Lieutenant-Colonel, General Staff