Gallipoli myths debunked...

[MarkCDodd]

On the 25th we celebrate ANZAC day. A public holiday where we give thanks to the Australian and New Zealand servicemen who have fought the many wars we have been involved in. It is celebrated on the 25th as that is the day of the Gallipoli landing in WW1. For almost 100 years the myth has been than the Diggers were dropped off on the wrong beach, in broad daylight, and had no idea of the enemy strength or position. The mistakes and consequent massacre of our troops was blamed on incompetent British generals who used colonial troops as canon fodder.

There is no denying that British generals were, for the most part, totally useless during WW1 and responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of allied troops. In the last couple of years paperwork has been found in the Australian and English archives that show:

1) The Australians conducted dozens of flights over the landing site and were well aware of the enemy positions and strengths.
2) The "Z" beach they landed on was correct.
3) They landed before dawn with very few casualties.
4) Although under the command of English generals, the plan was approved by the ANZAC officers.

The high death toll during the following two days was the result of the Turkish being damn good soldiers and having well fortified positions, not a mistake in landing place or time.

General Haig and company were idiots but they are innocent of this tradgedy.