In 2005, Australia will commemorate the 90th Anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign and the forging the ANZAC tradition. The Anzac tradition has been a vital part in Australia's identity since the battle at Gallipoli. The creator of the Anzac legend, official historian Charles Bean, was inclined and responsible for what many Australians heard about their imperishable 'diggers' (an Australia who never quits under hardship), but the Australian people enthusiastically accepted his subjective view. Charles Bean's historical writings represent Australia's commitment to serve and protect their 'motherland' England.
Australia and New Zealand commemorate the ANZAC Day public holiday on the 25th of April every year to honour the bravery and sacrifice of the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC), and of all whom served their country in time of war. The Anzac tradition began during World War I with a landing in 1915 at Gallipoli on the Turkish Aegean coast.
An Australian military veteran on ANZAC Day 2007.
Anzac, the landing 1915 by George Lambert, 1922 sh...
Monument to AtatürkBecause of a navigational error, the Anzacs came ashore about a mile north of the intended landing point. Instead of facing the expected beach and gentle slope they found themselves at the bottom of steep cliffs, offering the few Turkish defenders an ideal defensive position. Establishing a foothold, the Anzacs found an advance to be impossible. After eight months of stalemate, the Allies withdrew, leaving 10,000 dead amongst the Anzacs.
The Anzac legend we are familiar with today began with the 1915 Gallipoli Campaign. Gallipoli however did not create the Anzac legend. Rather, it was created by nationalists who turned this disastrous campaign into a memorial to a supposed Australian national character. At the time of Gallipoli, an individual was to have an enormous influence on the development of the Anzac legend. Charles Bean - Australian official war correspondent was present at...