The Allied forces – stalemate

ANZAC troops using trench periscopes and periscope rifles, 1915 After the initial landing, the Allies made little progress from their initial landing sites and the campaign quickly reached a stalemate.

The Allies had insufficient intelligence and knowledge of the terrain, and were unable to take advantage of small advances due to indecisive leadership and delays.

In addition, the conditions at Gallipoli were horrendous for the soldiers. In the summer the weather brought intense heat and the winter bitter cold.

In the crowded conditions on the peninsula, soldiers became ill with dysentery and typhoid because of inadequate sanitation, and the presence of unburied bodies and swarms of flies.

Poor food, water shortages and exhaustion reduced the men’s resistance to disease.

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