Anzac Legend Essay

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Pages: 3

April 25, 1915, marked the landing of 78 000 Anzac soldiers at Gallipoli Peninsula, but more significantly, the beginning of the Anzac legend. Thousands of lives were lost throughout this eight-month campaign, as part of an ambitious naval strategy to control the Dardanelles. Although it was deemed a military failure, the Anzac’s efforts gave birth to Australia as a modern nation. Conditions were harsh for the soldiers and they suffered immensely. It is apparent however, that these struggles brought out the best in the Anzacs. The Anzac legend is a true tale of courage, mateship and sacrifice which accurately portrays the qualities and ideals of Australia’s fighting men in World War 1.

It was with courage, that Australian soldiers distinguished
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In fighting for Australia’s freedom, many Anzac soldiers sacrificed their health, their strength, and ultimately their life. According to statistics provided by the Military effort of the British Empire in 1922, a revised estimate of 8,709 Australians were killed at Gallipoli (Australian War Memorial, 2017). This large number suggests that it was not just the men who suffered, but their families who remained at home as well. A prime example is evident in the tragic story of the seven Smith brothers from Yongala, South Australia (McPhedran, 2014). These men marched off to war, however, only one returned home. In these six casualties, the two youngest used false names when registering to avoid the need for parental consent for being under the age of 21. This story represents the sacrifice of many Australian families during World War 1. Therefore, the Anzac legend is an accurate portrayal of the extreme sacrifices made by Australian soldiers.

The Anzac legend which instigated in World War 1, highlights the true qualities and ideals of Australian’s fighting men. Soldiers fought with extraordinary courage to overcome challenges during times of hardship. Similarly, soldiers developed a strong bond of mateship which meant they could work together to persevere on the battlefield. Finally, men sacrificed their health, strength and ultimately their life during the war. In conclusion, the Anzac legend is not a myth, as it accurately describes these qualities of Australia’s fighting men in World War