From Legend to Learning: Gallipoli and the Military Revolution of World War I

This study examines the relationship between the 1915 Gallipoli campaign and the military revolution of World War I. The paper seeks to focus on what can be learnt from the military expedition rather than concentrating on its legendary aspects. The study evaluates the strategic concept behind Gallipoli, provides a sketch of the events of the campaign, and then analyses the context and enduring significance of the Allied attempt to seize the Dardanelles. It suggests that Gallipoli remains a cautionary tale for a 21st-century military profession confronting information-age warfare based on a Revolution in Military Affairs.

The commanders at the Dardanelles lacked the ability to adapt to the new industrialised warfare of World War I, and from this perspective Gallipoli has much to teach military officers about the need for mental adaptation in complex military situations. The paper goes on to argue that British and Allied failure at Gallipoli was due largely to organisational weaknesses in the areas of command and staff work. These weaknesses magnified the personal failings of various commanders and contributed to the disaster of the Dardanelles campaign. Finally the paper outlines the lessons of Gallipoli and suggests that, for students of future warfare, the combination of advanced weapons and antiquated ideas demonstrated during the campaign remains of continuing relevance.