Charge of the 2nd Infantry
Charge of the 2nd Infantry Brigade at Krithia
Given only half an hour's notice for their attack, the Australian 2nd Brigade began their advance across open country with bayonets fixed, at a rapid walk, crossing what they imagined to be the front-line trench. They came under heavy fire. Having advanced 500 metres, the Australians were surprised to come upon a further line full of British troops. They took shelter in this position, afterwards known as "Tommies' Trench".
The painting depicts the scene several minutes later, as the brigade commander, Colonel James McCay, stood on the parapet rallying his troops and urging them on with the words "Come on, Australians!" The commanding height of Achi Baba dominates the skyline.
Charge of the 2nd Infantry
Charge of the 2nd Infantry Brigade at Krithia
Given only half an hour's notice for their attack, the Australian 2nd Brigade began their advance across open country with bayonets fixed, at a rapid walk, crossing what they imagined to be the front-line trench. They came under heavy fire. Having advanced 500 metres, the Australians were surprised to come upon a further line full of British troops. They took shelter in this position, afterwards known as "Tommies' Trench".
The painting depicts the scene several minutes later, as the brigade commander, Colonel James McCay, stood on the parapet rallying his troops and urging them on with the words "Come on, Australians!" The commanding height of Achi Baba dominates the skyline.