Beach Supply Depots

 

 

 

The Beach late 1915

Steamers, lighters and barges were unloaded at the jetties and the stores distributed between the North and South Depots. The space available was limited and congested, particularly as a policy of over-stocking of hard rations was instituted.

Stacks were built in a square to provide working space in the centre protected from shell fire.

Australian War Memorial C01512

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anzac Beach under shellfire from the Olive Grove battery

The barges remained - some loaded with water to provide operating stock to make up for the shortfall of locally won and distilled water. Replenishment from Imbros and Mudros was generally done at night to avoid presenting obvious targets. Rations on the beach were hollow stacked to provide partially protected working bays, however the task of resupply of the units had to go on under observation from the enemy during the day.

Australian War Memorial A 02007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplies reserve stacks

As the supplies holding units proliferated with base, divisional and brigade stocks, the beach was lined with stacks of non-perishable cases, sacks and barrels.

Incoming supplies were distributed along the beaches via a light rail built and operated by 11 Coy.

Here the usual harrassing shelling is in progress.

Australian War Memorial H03485

 

 

 

 

 

Offshore Support Facilities

 

Lemnos Support Base

Supplies were loaded from depot to pier to lighter to small ships of various types for delivery to Anzac Cove.

Australian War Memorial C01711

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With water at Gallipoli at a premium, a water distillation unit was constructed at Lemnos to augment the inadequate wells and the Nile barges used as tankers.

Australian War Memorial H00298

 

 

 

 

 

 

Imbros Support Base

 

 

 

Bread baked by 1 Fd Bky at Imbros was despatched in protective hessian bags.

Australian War Memorial C04619

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A polyglot fleet of support ships was anchored at Imbros, with much of the supplies held afloat. One was a freezer ship with Argentinian beef with was intercepted as it passed the Strait of Gibraltar and directed to Imbros to provide fresh meat for the force.

Australian War Memorial H03203

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anzac Supply Resources