‘Chained like Prometheus’: The failure of the 11th (Northern) Division at the Suvla Bay landing, 6/7 August 1915.

The 11th (Northern) Division was one of the first Kitchener New Army divisions raised for the British Army following the outbreak of the First World War in 1914.  After training in England, it deployed to the Dardanelles in July 1915 before leading the British IX Corps amphibious assault at Suvla Bay on the night of 6/7 August.  The landing at Suvla formed part of General Sir Ian Hamilton’s failed August Offensive, which he intended would break the deadlock on the Gallipoli peninsula.  But by dawn on 7 August, the 11th Division had failed to secure an adequate beachhead, its objectives remained in Ottoman hands, and Hamilton’s intentions were ruined.

Through analysis of planning, preparation and the execution of the landing on the night of 6/7 August, this presentation will demonstrate that the 11th Division lacked the capacity to achieve its objectives by dawn. Its failure to do so can be primarily attributed to weaknesses in command at all levels and significant shortcomings in its training and preparation. The Suvla landings have not been accorded the same attention as other components of the Gallipoli Campaign and turning historical attention there increases our understanding of the August offensive, the Gallipoli campaign in general, and the performance of the British Army during the early stages of the war.  

Speaker
Jeff Cleverly is a PhD scholar in the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre. He is a retired British Army infantry officer now working for the Department of Defence in Canberra. Jeff’s longstanding interest in British operations at Suvla Bay have taken him to the Gallipoli Peninsula several times.

This is a hybrid seminar. Zoom details will be sent upon registration.


Image credit: Norman Wilkinson, The Landing in Suvla Bay: Early Morning, 7 August 1915. Art.IWM ART 2451.

Additional information:

Registration is required for this event. Accessible parking spaces are available around campus should you require them.

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