A failed British Empire assault on a key Gallipoli ridge, contributing to months of stalemate on the Anzac front in 1915.
Key Facts
- Date
- 2–3 May 1915
- Campaign
- Gallipoli Campaign, First World War
- Attacking force
- New Zealand and Australian Division + 1st Royal Naval Brigade
- Objective
- Capture Baby 700 on the third ridge
- Outcome
- Ottoman forces retained Baby 700; Allies withdrew 3 May
- Stalemate duration
- Several months until August 1915
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
After the ANZAC landing at Anzac Cove on 25 April 1915, Allied forces were stopped on the second ridge rather than the intended third. Following a successful defence against a Turkish counter-attack on 27 April, commanders judged that seizing Baby 700 would consolidate their defensive perimeter and improve their strategic position on the peninsula.
On 2–3 May 1915, the New Zealand and Australian Division, supported by the 1st Royal Naval Brigade, attacked Baby 700. The New Zealand troops on the left flank were delayed, leaving the Australian main assault pinned down. British reinforcements also failed to hold the position, and the lone remaining Australian battalion was withdrawn under cover of darkness on the evening of 3 May.
Ottoman forces regained Baby 700, and the Gallipoli front settled into a prolonged stalemate lasting until August 1915. A renewed Allied offensive in August, coinciding with the Landing at Suvla, achieved only limited success, while diversionary attacks at The Nek and Lone Pine resulted in severe Allied casualties.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent