Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:30:28-1:31:13

Gallipoli: a flawed concept or failed execution?

The answer sees strategic logic in an alternative front and argues for coordinating the landings with the naval attack.

Amphibious WarfareGallipoli CampaignNaval BombardmentWinston ChurchillWorld War I
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Question

Was Churchill's Gallipoli campaign fundamentally foolish, or did it fail in execution?

Short answer

The answer finds a strategic rationale but strongly criticises execution, arguing that landings and the naval attack should have been coordinated.

Notes

Gallipoli is presented as an attempt to escape the strategic deadlock elsewhere. The criticism centres on execution, especially conducting the naval bombardment before the troops were ready. The proposed alternative is to force the straits while landing troops at the same time. That could have divided the defenders' artillery between ships and forces ashore. Success under that alternative is a counterfactual judgment, not an outcome demonstrated by the campaign.