The Gallipoli campaign began on 25 April 1915.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached New Zealand. New Zealand has been an important country for India for years. Indian soldiers have even fought wars for this country. On the pretext of PM Modi’s visit, do you know by what name this war is known in history? Why did Indian soldiers have to take part in this war and what was the result of this war? Let us understand in detail.
The Battle of Gallipoli was a very difficult and important campaign of the First World War. This war was fought in the Gallipoli Peninsula of modern Turkey. It included forces from India, Britain, New Zealand, Australia, France and other allied nations. Indian soldiers showed amazing courage in this war. He fought on the side of the Allies as part of the British Indian Army. New Zealand soldiers were also his companions in this campaign. On many fronts, Indian, Australian and New Zealand soldiers had the same objective. Victory.
When was the Battle of Gallipoli fought?
The Battle of Gallipoli was a very difficult and important campaign of the First World War. This campaign continued till January 1916. The main military actions took place between April 1915 and December 1915. The Allied forces later gradually evacuated their soldiers from there. The final evacuation was completed by 9 January 1916. This campaign lasted for about nine months. During this time the soldiers had to struggle with bullets, cannons, disease, heat, cold, hunger and lack of water.
The Gallipoli campaign began on 25 April 1915. Photo: AI Pic
Where was the war fought?
This war was fought on the Gallipoli Peninsula located in the western part of Turkey. This area is near the Dardanelles Strait. The Dardanelles waterway was very important. It connected the Mediterranean Sea with the Black Sea region. The Allies wanted to take control of this route. If this route had been opened, it would have been easier to deliver sea aid to Russia. At that time Russia was also fighting a war against Germany and its allies.
Between whom did the war take place?
On one side were the Allies in Gallipoli. These included soldiers from Britain, France, Australia, New Zealand, India and many other regions. On the other side was the army of the Ottoman Empire. At that time the Ottoman Empire was with Germany. Turkish soldiers were fighting to protect their country. He was familiar with his geography. They had the advantage of high hills, narrow valleys and strong defense posts.
Why was the war fought?
The main objective of the Allies was to conquer the Dardanelles waterway. They wanted to make a way to reach Istanbul. At that time Istanbul was the capital of the Ottoman Empire. The Allies hoped that if pressure increased on Turkey, it might pull out of the war, but as simple as the plan looked, it proved to be as difficult on the ground. The sea attack was not successful at first. After this, the fight was started by landing the soldiers on the coast.
Now the Gallipoli Peninsula looks something like this, the picture is from 2025. Photo: Getty Images
Who led this war?
The main leadership of the Gallipoli campaign on behalf of the Allies was with British General Sir Ian Hamilton. He was the commander of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force. The troops of New Zealand and Australia were commonly known as ANZACs. ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
The defense of the Ottoman army was led by German General Otto Liman von Sanders. Mustafa Kamal, a prominent Turkish military officer, was also very important in this war. Later the same Mustafa Kemal became Ataturk, the founding leader of modern Turkey. Indian soldiers were in different detachments of the British Indian Army. Special mention is made of the 29th Indian Brigade and the 14th Firozpur Sikh Regiment in Gallipoli.
Why were Indian soldiers sent to Gallipoli?
At that time India was under British rule. The Indian Army was a major part of the army of the British Empire. In the First World War, lakhs of soldiers were sent from India to various fronts. Some soldiers went to Europe, some to Africa, some to West Asia and Egypt. Indian soldiers were sent to Gallipoli because they were experienced. Many Indian regiments had experience of operating in mountainous terrain, difficult weather and inaccessible places. Indian soldiers included soldiers from Sikhs, Punjabi Muslims, Gorkhas, Pathans and other communities. He gave a brilliant display of his military tradition and discipline.
On which fronts did Indian soldiers fight?
Indian soldiers fought mainly in the southern sector of Gallipoli. This area was known as Cape Hells or Hells Front. The fighting here was very fierce. The soldiers had to move forward on open ground. There was fire from machine guns and cannons from the front. Trench fighting was common. On one side there were the trenches of the Allies. On the other side were the trenches of the Turkish army. At many places the distance between the two sides was very less. Indian soldiers several times received orders to attack strong Turkish fronts. They had to suffer heavy losses, but instead of retreating, they took charge bravely.
PM Modi reached New Zealand
Reached Auckland a short while ago. Thankful to Prime Minister Luxon for the welcome at the airport.
This visit is historic, being the first Prime Ministerial visit to New Zealand in four decades. I look forward to holding talks with Prime Minister Luxon and discussing the pic.twitter.com/qhUfkaFfHF
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 10, 2026
Bravery of 14th Firozpur Sikh Regiment
The 14th Firozpur Sikh Regiment showed great courage in Gallipoli. His soldiers advanced and attacked in difficult circumstances. Sikh soldiers suffered heavy losses in the battles near Krithia area in June 1915. Nevertheless he continued his efforts to move towards his goal. Many soldiers continued fighting even after being injured. Many soldiers were martyred. His bravery enhanced the prestige of the British Indian Army. The contribution of Sikh soldiers in Gallipoli is still remembered in military history. Their sacrifice is not the story of just one regiment. This is the story of those Indian soldiers who fought far away on foreign soil.
What was the connection with the New Zealand troops?
New Zealand troops were a key part of the Gallipoli campaign. He fought alongside Australian soldiers on the ANZAC Front. Indian soldiers and New Zealand soldiers were part of the same Allied coalition. They were deployed in different areas, but their military objective was the same. Therefore, the story of Indian soldiers cannot be seen separately from New Zealand’s Gallipoli memory. Soldiers of both the countries contributed in a big war campaign. It is important to know an important fact here that Indian soldiers did not fight under the independent army of New Zealand. They were soldiers of the British Indian Army and were fighting under British command.
Result of Gallipoli Campaign
The Gallipoli campaign was not successful for the Allies. They could not control the Dardanelles. Ultimately he had to withdraw his troops. Nevertheless, this war had a deep impact on the history of many countries. In New Zealand and Australia, Gallipoli is seen as a significant moment of national identity. In Turkey too, this war became a symbol of national pride. Mustafa Kamal’s reputation increased a lot due to this campaign. This campaign is important for India also. Indian soldiers made their place in the history of world war with their bravery, discipline and sacrifice.
legacy of indian soldiers
The contribution of Indian soldiers in Gallipoli remained little discussed for a long time. But now historians and researchers are giving more importance to his sacrifice. These soldiers took part in a war that was far away from their home country. Still, he did not abandon his comrades in difficult circumstances. His story is a story of courage, duty and sacrifice. The Battle of Gallipoli reminds us that the First World War was not only a conflict between European countries. Indian soldiers also played an important role in this.
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