About

The Gallipoli evacuation in January 1916 was a perilous gamble. After the failed attempt to seize the Narrows, thousands were trapped at Helles under relentless Turkish resistance. With fragile piers, worsening winter, and enemy guns looming, retreat seemed impossible. Ingenious staff officers devised ruses to withdraw, but success hinged on calm seas. Against all odds, the garrison escaped—a near-miraculous feat of planning and courage.

Regarded as a lively, well informed, and amusing speaker, Peter Hart is regular and popular branch speaker. A military historian specialising in the Great War, he was the Oral Historian at the Imperial War Museum from 1981 until his retirement. Peter is the author of the magisterial Gallipoli as well as many other books on the Great War.