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