[naturalman1975]

In just under two weeks (on the 25th of April), Australia will observe the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landings in Gallipoli, Turkey. The day that Australia (and New Zealand) were baptised in blood. Both nations had only recently become indepedent of the UK - Australia in 1901, and New Zealand in 1907, and the First World War was the first time our troops went into battle representing their own countries (both had sent troops as part of British forces in the past), and the Gallipoli landings were the first large scale action they had seen (small forces from both Australia and New Zealand had captured some German dependencies in the Pacific during 1914). ANZAC stands for 'Australian and New Zealand Army Corps' and ANZAC Day is the most sacred in our national calendar. The 100th ANZAC Day is leading to a great many stories in our press, and television shows and similar looking back at our military history.

[SandRat]

[Redbob]

Thanks for that clear and succinct explanation: I had no idea what “ANZAC” represented.

[yarddog]

It has been over 30 years since I read Winston Churchill’s “History of World War II”.

One of the things I remember is how Churchill was constantly worried that Australia would withdraw their troops from Africa and Europe since they were legitimately needed at home, especially after Pearl Harbor.

[Gay State Conservative]

Just watched “And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda” on youtube earlier today.All I can say is that it left me speechless.

[Gay State Conservative]

And The Band Played Waltzing Matlda