Cape Helles forms the southernmost part of the Gallipoli peninsula, Turkey. It resides to the west of the opening of the Dardanelles, the landscape consisting primarily of a rocky outcrop with a series of nullahs running through the earth like veins from the higher ground at the village of Krithia and the peak of Achi Baba at a height of 200m above sea level. It was here that the 1st Border Regiment took part in the Helles Operations of 1915.
This is the site of the amphibious invasion by the British and French forces that took place on 25 April 1915 during the First World War. It was here that heavy fighting ensued to force Turkey out of the war. Fighting continued until the full evacuation of the British in early January, 1916. This a British defeat and a failed operation to successfully take control of the peninsula.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission maintains the Helles Memorial to this day.
Glossary of words and phrases
The above term is listed in our glossary of words and phrases of the Armed Forces of Great Britain during the Great War. Included are trench slang, service terms, expressions in everyday use, nicknames, the titles and origins of British and Commonwealth Regiments, and warfare in general. These words and phrases are contemporary to the war, which is reflected in the language used. They have been transcribed from three primary sources (see Contents). Feel free to expand upon and improve this content.
Browse other terms: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z