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The Raid on Gaba Tepe, 4th May

The Anzac positions at Gallipoli, being almost entirely under Turkish observation and artillery fire, were at the best of times an uncomfortable place to be. In an attempt to remove one of the more obvious and troublesome enemy positions, it was decided that Australian forces should raid, and if possible destroy, the strongly entrenched positions at Gaba Tepe. At 3.30am on the 4th of May 1915, a party of volunteers from the 11th Battalion AIF, under the command of Captain Raymond Leane, boarded a British destroyer to commence the hazardous mission. 

Nick Fletcher (AWM)

Download the full version of this account of the Gaba Tepe Raid and more information on Captain Leane.

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Australian War Memorial: P02136.001: "The fighting Leanes of Prospect" circa 1916

Australian War Memorial: P02136.001: "The fighting Leanes of Prospect" circa 1916 - The
five Leane brothers, who all served in the First AIF. From Left to Right, standing: Major Ben Leane (48th Battalion, Killed in Action 10 April 1917), Lieutenant Colonel Ray Leane (CO of the 48th Battalion), WO I Ernest Leane (27th Battalion). Sitting: Major Edwin Leane D.A.D.O.S. 2nd Australian Division), Major Allan Leane (CO of the 28th Battalion, Killed in Action 4 January 1917)
 

Gallipoli Marksman

Gallipoli proved to be ideal terrain for the marksman and hunter. However, being a good shot did not mean a soldier could survive. They had to be proficient in camouflage, fieldcraft and observation. These were the necessary skills of the 'sniper' - although this was not a recognized military designation until late 1915.

One marksman that stood out from all the rest on Gallipoli was 355 Private William (Billy) Edward Sing, 5th Light Horse Regiment.

Here Bob Courtney, Senior Curator of Heraldry and Weapons, AWM tells his story and describes the weapons, life and tactics of the Gallipoli marksman.

Australian War Memorial P01531.014: A marksman and observer team operating in the trenches at Gallipoli.

Australian War Memorial P01531.014: A marksman and observer team operating in the trenches at Gallipoli. The observer in this case is using the conspicuous periscope, rather than a telescope, to search for targets.