The memorial at Anzac Cove On 25th April each year, Australia and New Zealand remember those who died at the Battle of Gallipoli during World War I. This year, Anzac Day as it is called sees the 100th anniversary of the battle. Gallipoli, also known as the Battle of Çanakkale, was a great disaster for the Allies—including the Britain and France as well as Australia and New Zealand, both of whom were loyal to the British Empire. The military campaign took place between 25th April 1915 and 9th January 1916 on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey. More than 10,000 Australian and New Zealand soldiers perished.
Anzac Cove, Gallipoli peninsula, today
Winston Churchill shortly before World War I
On 25th November 1914, First Lord of the Admiralty Winston Churchill proposed a plan to the British War Council for a new front in the Dardanelles, the narrow straits that linked the Mediterranean to the Black Sea. This would help open up a sea route for Britain's ally, Russia. It would also force Germany to split her forces, because some would be needed to support the army of their allies, the Ottoman Turks. This would leave German lines weakened elsewhere in Europe, giving the Allies a boost.