LOYAL SOLDIERS OF HER MAJESTY: GREAT BRITAIN TROOPS IN GALLIPOLI FRONT

Abstract

The consequences of Gallipoli Front, which is the bloodiest phase of World War I have been the subject of many national and international researches. The fact that Gallipoli front has been a source of inspiration for the nationalist and independence movement getting a new look in the 20th century is an issue that is often ignored in historical researches. ANZAC army formed by the troops of Australia and New Zealand obtained from the British colonies, 10th division including Irish soldiers and 52th infantry division consisting of Scottish troops carried out the duties given in the battles that took place under very bad conditions of Gallipoli front. Considerations that motivate the aforesaid British regiments in Gallipoli Front as in other fronts of World War I can be listed as fidelity bonds for the British Royal Family, religious responsibilities and political relations. The troops and the general public in colonies that may be motivated by intense feelings too early in the war drifted into deep concern after suffering heavy casualties in the front. These heavy losses suffered in the front and the aggravated and poor conditions which the soldiers were in have been forwarded to the related colonial societies through the written press which was the most effective means of mass communication of that period. In this study, it is mainly focused on the issues of how the activities of colony unions in Gallipoli front were followed by their own media and which emotions it aroused. It has been thought that the data obtained by scanning the newspaper collections published in the colonial state under the administration of British and comparing them with the research and monographs works may demonstrate the link between war and nation-building in the British colony which is the underlying hypothesis of this study.

There is no study that would require Ethical Commitee approval in this article.