106th anniversary of the final evacuation from Gallipoli

On 20 December 1915, the last Australians withdrew from the Gallipoli peninsula, effectively bringing an end to Australia’s part in the ill-fated campaign. For Australia, the Gallipoli campaign was the beginning of a legacy of service, courage, mateship and sacrifice that continues to this day.

The eight month campaign began on what we now know as Anzac Day, and quickly deteriorated into a stalemate, with repeated attempts by the Australian and New Zealand forces to break through the Turkish lines, and the Turk forces attempting to drive the Allies off the shores of the Gallipoli peninsula. In December 1915 the Australian forces began an evacuation.

The evacuation was arguably the most successful operation of the Gallipoli campaign, and was achieved with minimal casualties. Following the evacuation, Australian forces went on to fight on the Western Front and in the Middle East.

Today we remember the 50,000 Australians who served at Gallipoli. Their courage, endurance and resilience helped forge the Anzac legend.