---
node: au_gallipoli
type: event
slug: gallipoli_campaign
title: "Gallipoli campaign"
lead: "The 1915 First World War operation in which the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (Anzac) landed on the Ottoman Gallipoli peninsula, giving rise, amid heavy losses, to the Anzac tradition."
published: 2026-07-15
updated: 2026-07-15
---

## What happened

On 25 April 1915 Allied forces landed on the Gallipoli peninsula to try to seize the Dardanelles strait. The Australian and New Zealand troops were pinned to steep shores and drawn into fierce trench warfare with the Ottoman army.

## Background

The campaign lasted eight months without achieving its aim, and the Allies withdrew at year's end. More than 8,000 Australians alone were killed.

## Consequences

The day of the landing, 25 April, is still commemorated as Anzac Day. As a story of courage, sacrifice, and mateship, the campaign became central to the national identity of Australia and New Zealand.