On this day: Aug 26, 1915
It is now possible to give a further account of the operations which have been in progress since August 6 on the Gallipoli Peninsula. These comprise two separate lines of attack. The first from the old Anzac position, which was principally delivered by the Australian and New Zealand troops, and the second from the new landing at Suvla Bay, in which a fresh Army was employed. An attack was also made from Cape Helles towards Krithia. Very severe fighting, with heavy losses to both sides, has resulted. Our forces have not yet gained the objectives at which they were aiming, though they have made a decided advance towards them, and have greatly increased the area in our possession.
The attack from Anzac, after a series of desperately contested actions, was carried to the summit of Sari Bair and Chunuk Bair ridges, which are the dominating positions in this area. But, owing to the fact that the attack from Suvla did not make the progress counted on, the troops from Anzac were not able to maintain their position on the crest line, and after repeated counter-attacks were forced to withdraw to positions close below it. The attack from Suvla was not developed quickly enough, and was brought to a standstill after an advance of about 2 miles. Further reinforcements having arrived, a renewed attack was made on the 21st. The Anzac left was advanced about three-quarters of a mile. On the rest of the battle front, all divisions engaged reached points on the slopes and spurs of the hills which formed the enemy’s centre, but after several hours of sharp fighting they were unable to gain the summits and, the intermediate positions not being capable of permanent defence, were withdrawn to their original front.
The great power of the defensive under modern conditions accounts for the difficulties of the troops once the advantage of surprise had been lost. In the close fighting which with repeated attacks and counter-attacks attended all the phases of these battles, the losses inflicted upon the enemy are undoubtedly heavier than our own. The ground gained and held is of great value. But these facts must not lead the public to suppose that the true objective has been gained, or that further serious and costly efforts will not be required before a decisive victory is won.