Anzac Position 1: Plugges Plateau

Looking South from North Beach, Plugge's Plateau Is
Just Right of Center

Plugges Plateau was located at the top of a steep 100 meter hill overlooking ANZAC Cove and Shrapnel Valley and was captured on 25 April 1915 shortly after the landing, by the 11th Battalion, 3rd Brigade of the AIF.  It was named later after the commander of the Auckland Battalion, Lt. Colonel Arthur Plugge (pronounced Pluggy).

Key Locations in the Opening Campaign

The Commanding View of the Rear Sector, from L to R
Anzac Cove, Ari Burnu (marker), N. Beach (marker)

On the day of the landing, 25 April 1915, the plateau was approached in the second effort  the reach the high ridge overlooking the landing beaches. It at first seemed promising but the steep drop  off on the backside of the plateau proved impossible.  Although not helpful for the initial assault, it would prove to be a valuable position throughout the campaign. The landing beaches and the rear support areas of all the fighting areas could be observed. It became a battery position, a reservoir, and a position on the "Inner Line" of defenses. The Turkish forces named it Hain Tepe (Treacherous Hill) because of the effect of the artillery battery located on it. The Anzac Headquarters were on its western slopes.

Australian Troops Crossing Plugge's Plateau

Australian Artillery

Plugge's Plateau During the Fighting

The Plugges Plateau Cemetery, with 21 burials (identified: 17, unknown: 4,  is located on the North-West corner. The burials include the identified remains  of 12 men killed on the day of the landing and the rest are from nearby field artillery positions.