PANEL 6

LONE PINE AND THE NEK

There is hell waiting here.
C.A. McAnulty
Australian soldier killed in action at Lone Pine, 7–12 August 1915

Aware of the need to seize the initiative, the British planned a new offensive for early August. There would be a British landing at Suvla Bay (Suvla Koyu) and a major assault to the north of the Anzac position to capture the high ground leading to Chunuk Bair and Hill 971.

Supporting attacks were planned at Lone Pine and along a narrow ridge known as the Nek.

On the afternoon of 6 August at Lone Pine the Australians attacked and occupied Turkish frontline positions against determined Turkish counter-attacks. Most of this desperate fighting took place at close quarters in the Turkish trenches. On the morning of 7 August at the Nek, four waves of Australians were cut down before they reached the enemy line.

The Australian official historian, referring to these light horsemen, later wrote: "The flower of the youth of Victoria and Western Australia fell in that attempt."

The Charge of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade at the Nek, 7 August 1915 (detail) by George Lambert. (Australian War Memorial)