The Gallipoli Campaign began in early 1915, set off to open up the straits known as the Dardanelle's so that communication and supplies could be easily exchanged with Russia. This trade route was a very prized by the Turks; however, they were far from ready when the first British-French fleet was mobilized. On February 19th 1915, the British-French military began bombardment of the Turkish forts at the entrance to the Dardanelle's. Later, on March 18th, the naval fleet began forcing the narrows. A well-placed Turkish minefield cause 3 lost battleships and the lives of over 2000 men. Unknown to the Admiral in charge of the fleet, the Turkish defenses are on the verge of collapse but Admiral de Robeck orders a retreat. .
Upon the allied powers" retreat, the Turkish forces "dug" themselves in, preparing for another assault. This assault came on April 25. The forces used in this incursion consisted of Australian, New Zealand, French and Indian troops. The plan called for a landing on the peninsula with a moderate amount of forces and pushing inland, hopefully all the way to Istanbul. During the peninsula landing, the allied forces incurred terrible losses, even before beginning to fight. The battle lasted for months and was heavily one sided. The allied powers had simply not sent enough troops after blowing their surprise attack earlier in the year. The Russians, who had suggested the forcing of the Dardanelle's, were expected to arrive at Bosphorus but this was prevented by a very strategically planned attack on Gorlice, leaving the allied army in a state of peril. The campaign continued into November with the allied forces suffering further casualties until the remaining troops were evacuated in December 1915.
The Gallipoli Campaign was credited as a failure in design, discrediting all amphibious operations for the rest of the war, instead of a failure in execution that it obviously was.
