It is 100 years since Australia became involved in the First World War. The ANZAC Centenary will be commemorated from 2014 to 2018.
The mothers, sisters and wives left behind during World War I sent ANZAC biscuits made of oats, sugar, flour, coconut, butter and golden syrup to their sons, brothers and husbands at Gallipoli. ANZAC biscuits were hard and long-lasting, designed to survive the long journey to the troops. They were eaten instead of bread (which went stale quickly). Some men crushed them, mixed them with water and ate them like porridge.
The last surviving ANZAC, Alec Campbell, died on 16 May 2002.
World War I was often referred to as the ‘Great War’.
In World War I, Australians not only served at Gallipoli but also on the Western Front (France and Belgium) as well as in the Middle East.
The Australian Imperial Force (AIF), the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), the Australian Light Horse and the Australian Flying Corps all fought in World War I.
The word ANZAC has been protected by Australian legislation since 1921. This ensures that the word is not misused. To use the word you must seek permission from the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs.
Although women were not allowed to fight in World War I, many tended to the injured troops overseas and in Australia as members of the Australian Army Nursing Service.
Simpson’s donkey was most often called Duffy, but was also called Abdul or Murphy.
Two decades after the end of World War I, Australia once again followed Britain into war for World War II.
