On this day: Aug 25, 1915
Whilst the new landing was being successfully carried out in Anafarta (Suvla) Bay, the Australian and New Zealand Corps at Anzac has been engaged in a desperate struggle to obtain possession of the main ridge running north-east from the Anzac position. No troops have ever been called upon to make an advance over more difficult and broken country.
Throughout Friday, August 7, there was a furious bombardment of the Turkish positions from our field guns and howitzers, assisted by destroyers, cruisers, and monitors. Whole sections of the Turkish trenches disappeared in clouds of smoke and earth. Meanwhile the combined Australians and New Zealanders braced for the desperate night attack. Strict orders were given that not a shot was to be fired; the bayonet alone was to be used. Exactly at 10 o’clock on Friday night A Brigade clambered over their trenches and furiously charged the Turkish line. The Turks, taken quite unawares, fired wildly and were unable to check the advance.
Thus in a few minutes all the enemy’s positions nearest the sea were in our hands, and the way was cleared for the main advance. The New Zealanders only stopped to take breath and then rushed the old No 3 outpost, “Bauchop’s Hill,” and other Turkish positions. The native Maoris entered into the charge with great dash, striking terror into the hearts of the Turks with the awful vigour with which they used their bayonets and the butt ends of their rifles. The fighting throughout the night was continuous for, amidst those gloomy ravines, the Turks offered courageous and despairing resistance.
On Sunday, our men began their advance up the steep slopes at dawn. The Turks came out from cover gallantly and made a charge with the bayonet and the butts of their rifles. This is just the form of fighting the Colonials like, and their magnificent physique stood them in good stead. Although few in numbers, they closed on the Turks with fury, using their rifles as clubs, swinging them round their heads, and laying out several with each sweep. The Turk could not stand this rough treatment, and those who were not killed or wounded fled and the New Zealanders began hastily to dig themselves in. The Turks fought with the utmost bravery.