The naval attack on the Dardanelles was a significant military operation during World War I undertaken by a powerful Anglo-French task force. The bombardment targeted Ottoman artillery positions that were strategically situated along the Gallipoli Peninsula. The operation was part of a broader strategy to open up access to the Black Sea, allowing for increased supply routes to Russia and aiming to knock the Ottoman Empire out of the war. The entrenchment of Ottoman forces made Gallipoli a focal point for military engagement. As the combined naval forces commenced their assault, they aimed to neutralize the artillery that posed a direct threat to Allied shipping and land forces.

The attack was characterized by the use of battleships and other naval vessels that unleashed a powerful barrage against the coastal defenses. The bombardment lasted several days and was met with fierce resistance from the Ottomans, who had fortified their positions. Notably, the utilization of heavy naval gunfire underscored the importance of naval power in modern warfare. This operation was among the first significant naval engagements in the Dardanelles, setting the stage for subsequent military actions on land.

While the bombardment aimed to pave the way for a successful amphibious invasion, it also highlighted the complexities of naval warfare against entrenched land forces. The effectiveness of the operation ultimately led to plans for a larger campaign to land troops at Gallipoli, which would have profound consequences for both Allied and Ottoman forces. The attempt to secure a foothold was ultimately met with significant challenges as the campaign progressed.