Conkbayiri Heights Reached ahead of Anzacs
Mustafa Kemal reaches the high ground and commits reserves before the Anzacs can secure the crest.
First World War · Gallipoli · permanent subject timeline
The struggle for one of the key heights above the Anzac sector. This page combines historical context with 19 matching records drawn directly from the World History Database Gallipoli archive.
Historical context
New Zealand troops reached Chunuk Bair during the August offensive after difficult fighting over steep ridges. Ottoman counter-attacks eventually regained control of the summit.
Chunuk Bair represented one of the closest Allied approaches to gaining observation over the Dardanelles side of the peninsula. Its loss ended a critical opportunity during the August offensive.
World History Database records
The records below are selected from the 319-record Gallipoli archive and rendered as static HTML in chronological order.
Conkbayiri Heights Reached ahead of Anzacs
Mustafa Kemal reaches the high ground and commits reserves before the Anzacs can secure the crest.
Fifty-Seventh Regiment Counterattack Ordered
Mustafa Kemal orders the 57th Regiment to counterattack the advancing ANZAC troops.
Fifty-Seventh Regiment Sent toward Chunuk Bair
Mustafa Kemal sends the 57th Regiment toward the heights after learning of the ANZAC landing.
Retreating Ottoman Troops Rallied
Mustafa Kemal rallies retreating Ottoman soldiers and orders them to hold the high ground above Anzac.
Chunuk Bair Approaches Reconnoitred
Overton scouts routes north of ANZAC and reports that approaches toward the Sari Bair heights are lightly held.
Sari Bair Assault Columns Organised
Godley organises columns to seize Chunuk Bair, Hill Q and Hill 971 during the August offensive.
Auckland Battalion Daylight Attack Ordered
Johnston orders the Auckland Battalion forward after delays prevent the planned dawn assault.
Auckland Battalion Ordered toward Chunuk Bair
Godley commits the Auckland Battalion in an unsuccessful daylight attack toward the summit of Chunuk Bair.
Daylight Chunuk Bair Attack Refused
Malone refuses to send the Wellington Battalion into a suicidal daylight attack and waits for darkness.
Nek Attack Retained despite Sari Bair Delay
Birdwood allows the Nek assault to proceed although the supporting advance toward Chunuk Bair is behind schedule.
Night Assault on Chunuk Bair Approved
Johnston accepts the plan for the Wellington Battalion to attack the summit before dawn.
Rhododendron Spur Assembly Delayed
Johnston's brigade reaches the Chunuk Bair approaches late after difficult night movement.
Chunuk Bair Counterattacks Repelled
Malone's battalion holds Chunuk Bair through repeated Ottoman attacks and devastating artillery fire.
Chunuk Bair Relief Ordered
Godley arranges relief of the shattered Wellington Battalion after its day-long defence of Chunuk Bair.
Chunuk Bair Summit Captured
Malone leads the Wellington Battalion onto the summit of Chunuk Bair before dawn.
Chunuk Bair Telephone Line Maintained
Bassett repeatedly repairs telephone lines under fire between the front and headquarters at Chunuk Bair.
Malone Killed on Chunuk Bair
Malone is killed on Chunuk Bair by shellfire while his depleted battalion continues holding the summit.
Chunuk Bair Counterattack Prepared
Mustafa Kemal prepares a concentrated counterattack against British troops holding positions near Chunuk Bair.
Chunuk Bair Recaptured by Ottoman Counterattack
Mustafa Kemal leads the counterattack that drives Allied troops from Chunuk Bair and restores Ottoman control.
Editorial provenance
Compiled and edited by World History Database.
Historical context is editorial material; the chronology is generated from World History Database Gallipoli and Dardanelles records.
Last reviewed: September 2026.
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