Another set of new screens for the sequel to
D2R. This time the Gallipoli campaign is the theme. Below are pictures of 3 scenarios on this path. The Gallipoli campaign was a disaster for the British military, that much is still known to most. This part of World War 1 is portrayed very controversially in historiography. For some, it was a bad idea from the start, for which Churchill is to blame as the originator; for others, the leading military officers in the navy and army screwed up on the ground, while the strategic idea was completely correct. I myself subscribe to the second opinion and think that Churchill was fundamentally right. One could now begin a very extensive presentation and discussion, but that would go beyond the scope here. There is only one point I would like to make. It is interesting to note that during the two world wars Churchill was always inclined to speak out in favour of flanking in strategic matters. First at Gallipoli in 1915, then in the case of Norway in 1940, finally in the case of a landing in southern Europe (Sicily in 1943). He rather tried to avoid the attacks on hard front lines (Western Front/ French Channel coast) and rather took on the "soft" spots. Basically exactly the right approach. Even if the overall success was rather moderate.
In March 1915, the British and French navies attempted a direct breakthrough through the well-shielded Dardanelles with mostly older capital ships. This is depicted in the first of these missions here. The Entente fleet penetrates the straits (1). In the process, the Turkish mine barriers claim considerable casualties as can be seen here on the British destroyer Usk (2). The mines and the coastal artillery are taking their toll on the enemy. In addition, a few core troops like this zeppelin (unhistorical) can be deployed and further damage the ships (3). However, there are also British planes that can be dangerous for the airship (4).
3 turns further on, the enemy fleet has already advanced very far. Flanked by the destroyers Colne and Chelmer, the battlecruiser Inflexible has fought its way up to the last mine belt (1). However, the ships were not without damage and the coastal artillery is massive at this point in the strait. However, it is not only the capital ships that are important, but also the other types. Light cruisers like the Chatham (2) act as reconnaissance ships and have a wide range of vision, which can be very dangerous for friendly units. An aircraft mother ship (3) is also present in the fleet, which allows some enemy planes to be involved. Finally, there are the inconspicuous-looking minesweepers, which, however, are very useful against mine barriers (4). A battleship and a battlecruiser of the own core troops are waiting to be deployed (5).
The next picture shows the beginning to the mission "Cape Helles", which thematises the landing at the southern tip of the peninsula in April 1915. There are different landing zones, which are visible here with S - X (1). However, the British attackers will not have it easy, as the Turks had prepared for a landing and laid out extensive obstacles (2). The Turkish defence forces in this section, on the other hand, are not very numerous (3). The player will have to manage them well.
A jump in turn 4 and quite a bit northwards to the ANZAC Cove. Here, as the name suggests, Australian and New Zealand units land and try to fight their way inland (1). They are supported by British ships that can fire far inland. Therefore, direct coastal defence is out of the question. One of their own airships inflicts losses on the enemy fleet (2). The Turkish units are not very numerous (3) and are supported by some German core troops (4). In the small secondary map you can see how far this landing zone is from the southern tip with the main landing (5).
In turn 8, the British landing forces have partially worked their way through the obstacles. From X-Beach, a contingent has fought its way into the rear of the Turkish defences (1). Things are starting to get difficult. A little relief comes from an advance by an old Ottoman liner and destroyer (2). However, the two ships have to act cautiously as the Entente fleet is clearly stronger. A German submarine attacks transporters lying off the coast (3).
The third mission takes place in August 1915 at Suvla Bay. This was the last attempt by the Entente to lead this campaign to success with an offensive. From their small bridgehead, the ANZAC troops advance on the Turkish lines (1). A group of Gurkhas attack artillery past the Ottoman infantry and damage it heavily (2). At the bottom you can see a special unit with the Ottoman commander Mustafa Kemal (3). This unit will still have a special mission to fulfil.
Round 4 at Suvla Bay. A significant number of British IX Corps units have already landed (1). On the Ottoman side, only a small number of defensive forces are ready (2). But the British commander prefers to let his troops play "English seaside resort" instead of attacking immediately and occupying the high ground. The British soldiers remain largely inactive, which is also traced in this scenario. A whole number of British air units, on the other hand, attack (3). However, they are countered by a Fokker E3 (4), which shows them what a plague can mean. Liman von Sanders, the German commander-in-chief of the Ottoman 5th Army, reacts immediately and orders reserves from the north into the new landing zone (5) (not yet visible here). The delayed British attack allows a successful defence.
it looks like you're hard at work!
