Saturday 16 March 2024

Great War Spearhead II - Gallipoli 1915 in heerr... 1/1 scale (part 9):X beach (Implacable beach) on the 25th of April




X beach was another landing spot that became problematic not only due to the small beach (180m X 20m maximum at its centre) but also due to the shoal water, reefs and winds which did not allowed for an easy traffic. Even so it was the landing point for the 2/ Royal Fusiliers that only faced, initially, 12 turkish soldiers. This beach was also a good spot to unite with other beaches at Cape Helles area. Later this bridgehead was counterattacked by the Turkish several times and those actions make some interesting wargames scenarios. 


The beach was used as logistical area and field hospital with a cemetery close by.  


In this sketch by Cpt Lockyer you can see the reef, the shoal waters and the narrowness of the beach.  


One of the stars of this beach was HMS Implacable which was essential to the landing by carrying the Fusiliers and supporting them with its fire and to fend off several Turkish counterattacks both at X and Y beaches on the next few days. Another reason I'm posting this picture is to see if I gain courage to scratch build the thing... 


The shoal waters are clearly visible from the top of the cliff and this was one of the reasons why X beach was discarded as an evacuation point in january 1916. 


On top of the beach you can read the Turkish side of the story with a natural emphasis on the Turkish feats of arms, which in fact were something in this campaign. 


On top of the cliff there are still some remains of what looks to me as probably British trenches. 


The southern side of the beach is even more complicated with some non boat-friendly reefs. Modelling this beach must be quite challenging 

Next: an  Australian brigade for Gallipoli 1915. 

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