The+Anzacs+-+Henry

The //Anzac Spirit// and the qualitites attributed to the Anzac character as represented in the film //Gallipoli// have become legendary in Australian culture. List some of these qualities that you see in evidence in the film and provide examples. Is the image of Anzac that arose during World War I still relevant to Australians today? Is it appropriate to consider Anzac Day as a significant national day for Australians. Why?

__**The Anzacs**__ The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) was formed in 1915 as part of the allied troops that would be sent out to Gallipoli to open up the Dardanelles for it's allies. It's primary objective was to capture Constinople (now called Istanbul), the capital of the Ottoman Empire and an ally of Germany.

The ANZAC forces landed on Gallipoli on the 25 of April, meeting heavy fire and resistance from opposing Turkish soldiers. The plan had been a bold attack on the Turkish defenders to knock them out of the war, but what had happened was that both sides were finding it hard to attack the opposing force, causing a stalemate, which had dragged the campaign on for another 8 months. At the end of 1915, the allied troops pulled out due to the fact that both sides had suffered heavy losses and hardships. Over 8,000 Australian soldiers had been killed during the campaign but through many hardships and sacrifice, the ANZAC's had made a profound impact of many Australians who were at home. The landing at Gallipoli had soon become the day which all Australians remembered those who had sacrificed their lives for war and for their country.

In the film, many examples of great Anzac qualities were shown. One such was Courage and mateship, when Archie and Frank journey from their homes, all the way across the dessert, across the oceans, through Egypt to finally reach Gallipoli. Without these important qualities, they most likely would of never made it there. Three other examples are shown towards the end of the film. One is bravery, when Major Barton blows the whistle, all the soldiers were not afraid to charge out into no man’s land, knowing full well of the consequences. Another is leadership, when the General rethinks the whole plan, and decides to pull the soldiers out. And another example of mateship; when Archie decides to take Franks place because he knows he is afraid to fight.

Although the Gallipoli campaign had failed in its objectives, the actions of the Australian and New Zealand soldiers left a power impact on history, a legacy of sacrifice and courage, one that would be remembered for all time.

I think it is appropriate and very important that all Australians recognise 25 April as a day of national remembrance. [|Commemorative services] are held at dawn as it was the same time the ANZAC's landed. Later on, ex-servicemen and women take part in a march through the major cities. Formal ceremonies are held at war memorials all over the country. This way, ANZAC day is a time when we reflect on those who had fought in the war.