The August Offensive; August 6/7; 1915

[christine liava'a]

For the August Offensive, which was to begin during the evening of 6 August, Sir Ian Hamilton's grand plan was to be the same as that for April. He wanted the Anzacs to cut a swathe straight across the peninsula in the direction of Maidis village alongside the narrows. He stiil believed that once the Dardanelles' western foreshore was controlled, the British navy would be able to continue its push towards Constantinople...

In preparation for the August Offensive, some diversionary actions were planned. At 5.30 pm, 6 August, the 1st Australian Brigade made an assault on Lone Pine, the Turkish position at southern Anzac that looked out across flat approaches with perfect fields of fire. The Turks believed Lone Pine to be one of their most secure positions.

To help the Australians reach the Turkish emplacements with minmal casualties, tunnels had been dug under no-man's-land. When the assault started, concealed exits were opened and men poured from them.

The Australians reached the Turkish trenches without coming under too heavy a fire, but then their troubles began. Although the attackers knew the layout of the trench network they did not expect trenches to be covered with heavy roofing made of pine logs. Some of the most brutal fighting of the cam,paign took place as the Australians desperately sought a way into the labyrinth. Holes were torn in roofs and men jumped in. Others found entrances further to the rear and fought their way back to the enemy frontline. Bodies of both Australians and Turks were piled five and six deep in places. By 6.30pm the centre opf the stronghold had been reached by the Australians. The position was held.

Seven Victoria Crosses were awarded for this one battle and the Lone Pine action became a legend for the Australian people.

Bloody Gallipoli; Richard Stowers

[The Plummed Goose]

lone pine at dawn

eric