Gully Beach, also known as Y2 Beach, lies some 2km north of X beach and about the same distance south of Y beach on the north side the Gallipoli Peninsula in Western Turkey. The distinctive headland is useful as an identifier for first-time visitors. In 1915, the beach became a major transit point for the slowly advancing front line further up the gully. Gully Ravine itself runs to the north eastward to the right of the headland, and the sea lies to the left. From this vantage point a small offshoot gully can be discerned, although at most times of year this is so overgrown that it is easy to miss. This was the headquarters area of 29th Division.
Two men were executed in this area. Private Thomas Davis of the 1/Royal Munster Fusiliers, was found guilty of deserting his post and was shot by firing squad on 2 July 1915. Sergeant John Robins of the 5/Wiltshire Regiment was charged with three counts of post desertion and disobeying orders and was shot on 2 January 1916. The position of this event is recorded as being "about 400 yards north of Gully Beach."
References / notes
- Information: Andy Crooks, 2008.
- Photograph courtesy of William T. Crookshanks.
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.
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