Today marks the 110th anniversary of the Charge at the Nek, a tragic charge which took place during the Gallipoli Campaign of the First World War.
On 7 August 1915, the dismounted 3rd Light Horse Brigade launched an assault to support the broader August Offensive. The assault took place on the northern end of the Anzac front – a narrow bridge of land called ‘the Nek’ stretching between the Australian position on Russell's Top and the Turkish held Baby 700.
The plan was straightforward. New Zealand troops were to capture the heights of Chunuk Bair on the night of 6 August, allowing them to attack the Turkish position at ‘the Nek’ from behind, while Australians attacked from the front.
Although the New Zealanders failed to take the heights, the Australian assault at ‘the Nek’ still went ahead as a feint. The hope was that the 3rd Light Horse Brigade’s attack would draw attention away from Chunuk Bair, giving the New Zealanders a second chance at taking the heights. Unfortunately, things didn’t go according to plan.
The artillery bombardment designed to protect the Australian troops ended seven precious minutes early. This allowed Turkish troops to hold firm their positions. Regardless, the Light Horsemen followed their original orders and rose from their trenches to charge.
Within 45 minutes, three waves and part of a fourth were mowed down by devastating rifle and machine-gun fire. The first wave fell almost immediately. The second and third waves followed, grimly advancing over their fallen brothers-in-arms. Officers from the attacking units, witnessing the outcome of the first two waves, asked to halt the attack. However, the officer in charge believed some troops had reached the Turkish lines and refused. Only after the third wave met the same fate, did the order to stop further attacks go out. Sadly, this came all too late for part of the fourth wave, who faced the same hail of fire, and same fate.
Of the 600 Australians who charged, 234 lost their lives and 138 were wounded.
The Charge at the Nek remains a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by young men who gave their all on that narrow strip of land in the defence of peace. Today, we honour them.
Lest we forget.
Australian Army soldier Private Thomas Lowe (service no. 242) from Mitiamo, Victoria, who served with the 8th Light Horse Regiment and was wounded at The Nek, had his medals returned to Gallipoli for Anzac Day 2022 after a request by his family.
Image courtesy of Australian Department of Defence.