On April 25^th 1915, between 0430 and 0445, the 3^rd Brigade and the 3^rd Field Ambulance of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) landed at Gallipoli, in a place called Ari Burnu. The New Zealanders landed later that day, in an area overlooking Ari Burnu.  The British and the French also made landings at strategic points along this coastline.

In the ensuing fight to secure a narrow wedge of land stretching two kilometres along the beach, both allies and foes would suffer heavy casualties before the sun set that day; and so began a campaign that would last eight months.

Strategically, this campaign was a disaster.  The allied forces were eventually overcome by the Ottoman soldiers, resulting in a retreat. The last of the allied troops withdrew on the 20 December 1915. The Gallipoli landing has since etched its way into our history books, becoming a defining moment in time for Australia and New Zealand. 

Despite the overwhelming challenges the ANZAC soldiers endured, stories of bravery, courage, initiative, discipline and mateship arose. From the initial landings, when troops surely knew the dire situation they found themselves in, to the many months of trench warfare and disease and death, the ANZACs not only earned the respect of their fellow countrymen, but also the respect of their enemy. In time, this conflict would forge a BOND between Australia and Turkiye that still exists today. From this campaign, the ‘Legend of the Anzacs’ was born.

The ANZAC Spirit became the fibre of what it means to be Australian. The sense of humour, the loyalty to mates, and the disregard of danger when help is needed, are all characteristic of what we see time and time again in our own communities.  The attitude of rolling up your sleeves and getting the job done, no matter the personal cost, has been illustrated during times of natural disasters and hardship across our country.  We have all seen the rallying of communities to help those in need when suffering unimaginable loss.  This is what it means to be Australian; this is the ANZAC Spirit. Born from those who, when faced with making the ultimate sacrifice, forged ahead with courage and hope, to secure a brighter future for the generations to come.

When you go home, tell them of us and say, “For your tomorrow, we gave our Today”

Lest We Forget.

ANZAC DAY 2024

DMFS SUPPORT INFORMATION

Defence Member and Family Hotline - 1800 624 608

DMFS https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/family-programs-services

To contact the Defence School Mentor: Tracey Cooper

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 0800 - 1430hrs

Email: tcoop203@eq.edu.au

Phone : 3819 5333