Suvla Bay

Bay in Gallipoli, west of the Dardanelles; scene of fierce fighting between Turkish and British and Commonwealth troops during World War I.

Four British divisions were landed here 6 August 1915 to capture the Anafarta Hills as part of an operation that would have given the Allies complete control of the central heights of the peninsula. Although initial progress was good and some commanding heights were taken, the opportunity to advance further in the face of weak Turkish opposition was not taken. By the time orders were given to attack, the Turks had been strongly reinforced with more troops and artillery and the attack failed. More attacks were mounted over the next few days and a fresh commander brought in to try and break the deadlock, but no impression could be made on the Turkish positions and the Allied lines settled down to defend what they had.