Hobart Daily

(riders dressed as Lighthorsemen, Dawn Service Hobart 25 April 2008

Anzac day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. The word ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps whose soldiers became known as Anzacs.
When the first world war broke out in 1914, Australia had only been a nation for thirteen years and was keen to be able to prove itself as a nation. On 25 April 1915 under a plan by Winston Churchill to open the way to the Black Sea for Allied Navies, Australian and New Zealand forces landed at Gallipoli under a bold plan to capture the Gallipoli Peninsula and knock Turkey out of the War. What was planned as bold strike quickly developed as a state-mate with both sides suffering heavy casualties and eight months later Allied forces were evacuated. By that time over 8,000 Australians and 2,700 New Zealand soldiers had died.
Although the campaign failed in its military objectives, the campaign left a powerful legacy and created what has become known as the “Anzac legend” and has shaped the way both nations view themselves. By 1916 became the day on which they remembered the sacrifice of those who have died in war.
The 25th of April was again significant during 1918 as in a the French village of Villers-Bretonneux the world’s first battle took place between British and German tanks although the next day the village was liberated by ANZAC troops. It was only realised as they buried their dead the significance of the day. On the 14 July 1919 the town’s mayor when unveiling a memorial in their honour said:

“The first inhabitants of Villers-Bretonneux to re-establish themselves in the ruins of what was once a flourishing little town have, by means of donations, shown a desire to thank the valorous Australian Armies, who with the spontaneous enthusiasm and characteristic dash of their race, in a few hours chased an enemy ten times their number…They offer a memorial tablet, a gift which is but the least expression of their gratitude, compared with the brilliant feat which was accomplished by the sons of Australia…Soldiers of Australia, whose brothers lie here in French soil, be assured that your memory will always be kept alive, and that the burial places of your dead will always be respected and cared for…”

The Australian War Memorial in France is located in Villers_bretonneux where the graves of fallen commonwealth soldiers. The school on Villers-Bretonneux was built using donations from Australian school schildren and above every blackboard is the inscription “N’oublions jamais l’Australie” (Never forget Australia). The annual ANZAC Day ceremony is held at this village annually,
After the end of the First World War, returned soldiers south the comradeship they felt shortly before dawn and with symbolic links to the dawn landing at Gallipoli, the Dawn Service was adopted as the common form of Anzac Day. Later in the day parades through the streets of their towns and cities.
Anzac day has since become the day that those that have served in the armed forces are recognised and those that have fallen are remembered. It is commemorated in just about every town and city in Australia, overseas where ever Australian forces are serving. Its also commemorated in many overseas locations with the biggest at Anzac Cove in Gallipoli although there are also services in many other locations including Washington DC, Mount Scopus, Yokohama (Japan), Port Moresby, Villers-Bretonneux and London.

They shall grow not old,
As we that are left grow old,
Age shall not weary them,
Nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun,
And in the morning
We will remember them. Lest we Forget

(Dawn service 25 April 2008, Hobart)

As an Australian and a former member of the Australian  Army (1990 - 2004) its a time of great pride in my nation, those i served with and myself.