An unsuccessful Allied attempt to force a passage through the Dardanelles during World War I. Its main aims were to force Turkey out of the war, and to open a safe sea route to Russia. A naval expedition, launched in February and March 1915, failed. A military expedition (relying mainly upon British, Australian, and New Zealand troops), with some naval support, was then attempted. The first landings, on the Gallipoli peninsula and on the Asian mainland opposite, were made in April 1915. Turkish resistance was strong and, although further landings were made, fighting on the peninsula reached a stalemate. The Australian casualties on Gallipoli were 8587 killed and 19,367 wounded. The Allied troops were withdrawn. Winston Churchill, who was largely responsible for the campaign, was blamed for its failure.