Today in History

1915 NZ troops land at Gallipoli

New Zealand troops were part of the Allied invasion force that landed at what became known as Anzac Cove. Nearly 60% of the 8500 New Zealanders who served at Gallipoli would be killed, die from illness or be wounded.

For nine long months New Zealanders, Australians and allies from France and the British Empire battled harsh conditions and resolute Turkish opponents who were desperately fighting to protect their homeland.

By the time the campaign ended, over 120,000 men had died: more than 80,000 Turks, and 44,000 Allied soldiers, including 8500 Australians. Among the dead were also 2721 New Zealanders, about a quarter of those who had landed on the peninsula.

In the history of the Great War, the Gallipoli campaign made no large mark. The number of dead, although horrific, paled in comparison with the number that died in France and Belgium. But for New Zealand, along with Australia and Turkey, the Gallipoli campaign left a lasting impression on the national psyche.

Image: detail from The Landing at Anzac