The main body of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force left on October 16, 1914. They were expecting to be sent to fight in France but were instead redirected after the Ottoman Empire (modern Turkey) joined the war on November 5, 1914. The New Zealanders landed in Egypt for further training while a plan was hatched by the allies to take control of Constantinople (Istanbul) and break the deadlock in Western Europe.

Then-First Lord of the British Admiralty, Winston Churchill, suggested a naval assault up the 50km Dardanelles Strait. The naval attack started on February 19, 1915, but soon faltered.

It was then decided that the New Zealanders, Australians and the British would make an assault on land, supported by the French make a diversionary attack. Early on April 25, 1915, the first Anzacs landed, 2 km north of the planned site, in a narrow bay that would become known as Anzac Cove.