Babes, Bookmakers & Beach Combers: From Gallipoli to Gavrelle with the Royal Naval Division

Published on 12 January 2020
Submitted by Clive Harris

In this presentation, Clive Harris looks at the Royal Naval Division and their participation in the Gallipoli campaign of 1915.

The full title of this excellent presentation is 'Babes, Bookmakers & Beach Combers: From Gallipoli to Gavrelle with the Royal Naval Division'. The explanation for the title comes at the very end of this talk.

The Royal Naval Division (RND), initially formed from Royal Navy and Royal Marine reservists and volunteers, saw action at Gallipoli before being transferred to the Western Front. After fighting in Gallipoli and on the Somme, the RND played a key role in the capture of Gavrelle on April 23, 1917.

They then faced German artillery fire and participated in a second assault a week later to capture the village's windmill and surrounding high ground. This action was part of a larger offensive supporting the Canadian Corps and 2nd Division. 

Babes, Bookmakers & Beach Combers: From Gallipoli to Gavrelle with the Royal Naval Division
Key benefits of membership

Becoming a member of The Western Front Association (WFA) offers a wealth of resources and opportunities for those passionate about the history of the First World War. Here's just three of the benefits we offer:

Online Webinar Icon
Online webinars

The WFA regularly makes available webinars which can be viewed 'live' from home. These feature expert speakers talking about a particular aspect of the Great War.

Iwasthere Icon
I Was There!

Featured on The WFA's YouTube channel are modern day re-interpretations of the inter-war magazine 'I Was There!' which recount the memories of soldiers who 'were there'.

Pensionrecords Icon
Pension records

Explore over 8 million digitized pension records, Medal Index Cards and Ministry of Pension Documents, preserved by the WFA.

Other Articles

Gemini Generated Image 4M6i634m6i634m6i
8 August 2026

The RAF at the Battle of Amiens, 8 - 11 August 1918

Read more
Lewis Gun Drill By 28Th AIF
1 August 2026

Death from the Sky: The 28th Bttn AIF

Read more
Gemini Generated Image Ypxif7ypxif7ypxi (1)
30 July 2026

The New Zealand Division in the Third Battle of Ypres

Read more
Burslem Potteries
25 July 2026

From Burslem to the Somme and the long road to Commemoration

Read more
Walworth(Early20thc)Road Old2,Jpg
21 July 2026

The South London Ghost Stations: Why Five ‘Temporary’ WWI Closures Became Permanent

Read more