"General Sir Ian Hamilton reports that in recent heavy fighting at Anzac heavy casualties were suffered by both sides," the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

"The enemy's reinforcements brought to a standstill the advance of our troops at Suvla.

"It is officially stated that additional British troops were landed in Suvla Bay. Heavy fighting ensued for 24-hours. The losses on both sides were the heaviest yet experienced.

"The official press bureau has issued the following statement: 'The recent operations consisted of attacks along the southern lines, including the fresh landing of a strong force in Suvla Bay. Prisoners statements show the Turks were considerably reinforced with a view to making heavy attacks. As one attack forestalled the enemy for 24-hours consequently the fighting was very severe. Both sides suffered heavy casualties'.

The official statement went on to defend the bloodbath, saying "The landings at Suvla were well planned and well carried out by the navy but owing to the Turks developing their greatest strength at Anzac our troops from Suvla were unable to make satisfactory progress before the enemy moved up considerable forces from his reserves and brought to a standstill our advance. Within the past week we have consolidated the positions we have won. The spirit of the troops is excellent."

In other words, according to the powers-that-be, the operation was a great success, it was just a pity the patient died…

According to a separate report in the same edition of the SMH: "Northward of the Australasians the British troops have made a forward move and have gained over a quarter of a mile (about 400 metres). This is the place where a fresh landing (apparently the one referred to above) was effected recently. We have been given no indication of the force thrown in here but it would seem the object was to turn the right flank of the Turks opposing the Australians and to link up with the colonials thus giving the Allies command of the whole stretch of coast from Gaba Tepe to Suvla."