Topic: BatzG - Aug 1915
The August Offensive
Gallipoli, August 1915
Aerial Reconnaissance over Lone Pine, 6 August 1915
Signal issued at 0840, 6 August 1915
On the morning, prior to the scheduled battle at Lone Pine, air reconnaissance was ordered by the Australian Division to fly over the proposed battlefield. Direction for assistance in identifying were given to the men in the advanced trenches which included firing flares and other identifying actions. The signal reads:
Australian Division
GHQ are sending aeroplane to reconnoitre Lone Pine and asks begins can you assist reconnaissance asked for by showing flares in firing trenches opposite Lone Pine when aeroplane comes over about 1100 ends will you please comply.
Anzac 0826
By 1246 the results of the reconnaissance and prisoner interrogations were in and made available.
The signal reads:
Australian Division
1246, 6 August 1915
Aeroplane reports that camps round Anzac grown in size. Prisoners captured this morning state five Turkish regiments or roughly 12,000 to 15,000 men opposed our right from Johnsons Gully to sea aaa Ammunition plentiful aaa Had not seen reinforcement but heard they were expected aaa It is possible these are fresh troops opposing No 3 Section as 57th Regiment formerly opposite Quinns now reported by prisoners on Turkish left aaa Aeroplane has located four fresh gun emplacements at 93.N.7 and 2 at 80.P.3 occupied addressed 13th Division reported Aust and NZ and A Div.
Anzac
The Turks had deployed 5 full Infantry Regiments consisting of between 12,000 to 15,000 men in front of the Allied forces. In addition, there were many reserves available. Further bad news is indicated that there are some new artillery works with fresh gun emplacements. The Australians were scheduled to move off in another four hours and this did not auger well for the beginning of the August offesnsive.
Further Reading:
The August Offensive, Gallipoli, August 1915
The Battle for Lone Pine, 6 August 1915
Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920
Citation: Aerial Reconnaissance over Lone Pine, 6 August 1915
