alternatehistory.com

The Allied assault on the Turkish Empire at Gallipoli during WW One was unsuccessful for the Allies from start until almost the finish, from the naval assault in March 1915, through the initial landings in April and the major July-August battles until the evacuation in December/January 1916. The evacuation was the only part that actually worked as it was supposed to. Approximately 80,000 troops from Suvla Bay and Anzac Cove were lifted in December 1915, with 35,000 at Cape Helles lifted in January 1916.

What if the evacuation isn’t successful? Supposing the Turks realise (not sure how) the Allied troops are leaving Suvla/Anzac, attack in mid-December and overrun the bridgehead. 40,000 Allied troops are either killed or captured including many ANZACs. Maybe that’s not so bad for the British army, that’s quite big at this time. But Australia and New Zealand probably just lost much of the experienced core of their armies. Whoever was the man (W.C.) who organised the Gallipoli plan won’t be popular in those two countries. What are the effects? On the war? Post-war? Is this a sensible idea? Way off track?
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