The initial objective was to wrest the heights of the Sari Bair Range from the Ottoman army. By capturing the three main peaks of Chunuk Bair, Hill Q and Hill 971 the British expected to be able to march eastwards to the Dardanelles and achieve a strategic breakthrough. The August Offensive, as it became known, lasted from 5 to 21 August and while the main actions occurred in and around the Anzac Sector, supporting operations were also carried out at both Suvla and Cape Helles. The main thrust was led by Major General Godley’s Australian and New Zealand Division, which included Brigadier General John Monash’s 4th Brigade (Vic), supported by the British 13th Division and the 10th Indian Brigade. Operations began on 6 August with two columns departing the Anzac Cove area to attack the heights. In essence the operation was beset with problems caused by its own complexity and failures in communication. None of the attacks achieved their objectives and any minor gains were lost in large enemy counter-attacks. The main assaults on Sari Bair were supported by attacks at Lone Pine on 6 August and at The Nek on 7 August where the 3rd Light Horse Brigade, fighting as infantry, suffered enormous casualties. Only Lone Pine can be considered as any kind of success. After these actions, the offensive ground to a halt and the Allies lost any opportunity for meaningful gains. Defensive operations continued throughout the rest of the campaign.
