Quick Fact: During the Gallipoli Campaign in 1915, 7 nurses were aboard the hospital ship Gascon, caring for 557 wounded soldiers evacuated from the frontlines. Their service began on the first day of the landings, April 25, 1915.
Where exactly was Gallipoli, and why did it matter?
It forms the northern shore of the Dardanelles Strait, a narrow waterway the Allies desperately wanted to control. Why? Because opening it would give them a direct route to Russia—and potentially tip the balance of World War I. The terrain was brutal, the fighting intense, and the nearby waters became floating hospitals where nurses like those on the Gascon worked around the clock. Today, Gallipoli stands as a place of remembrance, its hills and valleys dotted with cemeteries and memorials to the over 8,700 Australians and 2,700 New Zealanders who never made it home.
What were the key numbers from the Gallipoli Campaign?
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey (40.3422° N, 26.2865° E) |
| Campaign Dates | April 25, 1915 – January 9, 1916 |
| Nurses on Gascon (April 1915) | 7 |
| Wounded Evacuated (April 1915) | 557 |
| Total Allied Casualties | 252,000 |
| Total Turkish Casualties | 300,000 |
| Australian Nurses in WWI | Over 2,000 served in the Australian Army Nursing Service |
| Australian Deaths at Gallipoli | 8,709 soldiers |
How did the role of nurses change during Gallipoli?
Before the landings, nurses mostly worked in base hospitals or transport ships. But Gallipoli’s staggering casualties forced a shift. The Gascon, a British hospital ship, became a makeshift aid station where nurses worked elbow-to-elbow in cramped, chaotic conditions—sometimes while bullets flew overhead. Their job wasn’t just medical. For many wounded soldiers, these nurses were the first human face they saw after days of hell in the trenches. Their presence challenged the era’s norms, proving women could handle the physical and emotional toll of war. Honestly, Alice Ross-King’s story alone should silence any doubts. She later earned the Military Medal for her bravery at Gallipoli and the Western Front, yet history often glosses over these women’s contributions. Modern scholarship is finally giving them the recognition they deserve.
Can you visit Gallipoli today, and what’s there?
As of 2026, you can explore the peninsula through guided tours or attend the annual Anzac Day commemorations. The nearest big city is Çanakkale, Turkey, just 38 km north, where you’ll find hotels, ferries, and tour operators. Check out resources from the Australian Department of Veterans’ Affairs or the New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage for trip planning. Just remember: the ground’s uneven and hilly, so wear sturdy shoes. And while you’re there, keep in mind this was hallowed ground for thousands of families.
