Anzac Legend Research Paper

The Anzac legend was born ashore the Gallipoli Peninsula where the British and Anzac were fighting against the Turkish troops in World War 1. The tragic events that happened throughout the Gallipoli campaign began on that day, the 25th April, 1915. Due to their sacrifices made for the nation, this day has become an important part of Australia’s national identity. The legend commemorates the qualities of courage, resourcefulness and the endurance of the soldiers against the crushing odds. The Anzac soldiers did their bit and fought with bravery, but in the end, the campaign was a disastrous defeat and tragically many Australian and New Zealand lives were lost. Yet, over the years the legend has come under criticism by historians who believe …show more content…
In one of his quotes he states “they were happy because they knew that they had been tried for the first time and that they had not been found wanting” (Australian War Memorial, Anzac legend) this indicates that the soldiers acted bravely when thrown into the baptism of fire. However, the evidence shows that the Anzacs weren’t all experienced soldiers, well-disciplined and courageous in the heat of battle. Professor Joan Beaumont states that it was Bean who helped create a misconception that the Anzacs were all Bushmen, natural soldiers, fine horsemen and crack shots. She argues that “the reality was that they were not a race of athletes, because although Bean describes them as being considerably fitter and healthier and taller …..They were certainly not as tall as we might imagine them today.” (Fat Check, 2014) and not all were ‘natural soldiers’ argues Ashley Ekins a military historian stating that some soldiers were seen as “inexperienced amateurs”; this is in fact because many of the Anzacs were only six-week trained before encountering battle at Gallipoli. Despite this, the Anzacs made up for this lack of battle experience by their courage and resourcefulness. In 2012, the historian and former army officer Graham Wilson said most were factory workers and that between 7 per cent and 25 per cent were from the country and that most

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Anzac Legend Research Paper