On April 25, 1915, Australian troops landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula, a site they were advised 'a friendly beach.'
For the men and women who displayed great courage, discipline and self-sacrifice in serving our country.
ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day.
THE BATTLE OF GALLIPOLI
In 1915, Australia along with its Allies Britain, France and Russia, Italy, and Japan were at war, fighting Germany, the Ottoman Empire aka Turkey, and Austria-Hungary. Most people think of World War 1 of fighting the Germans in the trenches across France. But Russia was also under attack from Turkey in the Caucasus. To aid their plight the Allies devised a plan to distract Turkey by attacking the Gallipoli Peninsula, on Turkey's Aegean coast. By taking control of this strip of land they would have control of a strait of water called the Dardanelles and lay siege to Turkey's main city, Istanbul (then Constantinople).
A DISASTER UNFOLDS
The troops were advised that the beach was friendly. Under misdirection, around 20,000 soldiers landed on the beach, but they landed in the wrong place. With steep cliffs and the fire of the enemy surrounding them, they fought for several months but couldn't make any leeway. There wasn't anywhere to go, so they dug in and copped the brunt of the Turks. Thousands of Aussies and Kiwi soldiers died, not only from the battle but from disease caused by the living conditions.
This disaster gave birth to the Aussie Digger, a courageous battler who faced inconceivable odds with humour, courage and mate ship. Eventually the troops were withdrawn but nothing was accomplished. It was from here that the legend of the Aussie Digger spread throughout the world.
AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN AND IN THE MORNING WE SHALL REMEMBER THEM.
LEST WE FORGET
