This follow-on section moves from the Dardanelles campaign's strategic concept to the mechanics of the failed forcing attempt. Civilian-crewed trawlers struggled to sweep mines under fire and against the current, while Bouvet, Irresistible, Ocean, Gaulois, Inflexible, and Suffren were sunk or damaged on March 18. Roger Keyes believed that the defenses were nearly beaten, while Admiral de Robeck expected that he would be superseded. Their opposing assessments show how command confidence can decide whether heavy losses become a breakthrough or a withdrawal.
Notable Point · 2:05:20-2:14:51
March 18 exposed the Dardanelles command breaking point
The detailed March 18 account follows minesweeping failures, battleship losses, and the decision not to renew an attack that some participants believed was close to success.