Suvla needed an advance inland to support Sari Bair

In Les Carlyon's account, the attack on the Sari Bair heights was the main operation and the Suvla landing supported it. Birdwood's earlier plan had concentrated on a night attack from ANZAC, followed by movement along the ridge and across the peninsula. The arrival of additional divisions encouraged a broader scheme, but the crowded ANZAC position could not conceal all the reinforcements. Suvla offered lightly defended beaches and a base outside the existing shelling. Possession of its beachfront would achieve little unless the troops advanced and threatened the Turkish flank.