The fog rolled down the river and engulf our house. The cold and damp penetrated the walls and windows. Our only view, an opaque whiteness. Through the stillness, the sound of a lone bugler playing the Last Post reached us from the nearby cemetery. Another old soldier had died. This was the house our family was living in when Patsy Adam-Smith published The Anzacs, her iconic … [Read more...] about Review: The Anzacs by Patsy Adam-Smith
ANZAC Day
Anzac Day: Reflecting on Australia’s Diverse Experiences of War
I have written several posts over the years about the origins of Anzac Day from the Anzac Day celebration in South Australia in 1915 and the solemn commemoration in Brisbane on 25th April 1916 marking the first day that the Australian and New Zealand troops, together with large numbers of troops from other countries in the Allied forces attacked the Ottomans on the beaches of … [Read more...] about Anzac Day: Reflecting on Australia’s Diverse Experiences of War
Indian Soldiers Fought at Gallipoli
The Anzac Day that was bigger than ever has been and gone. Returned soldiers from Australia and New Zealand have marched for another year, remembering wars past and present. This year was the centenary of the event that started it all – the landing of British forces at Gallipoli. Australians and New Zealanders were there. And so were many Indians. New Zealand journalist, … [Read more...] about Indian Soldiers Fought at Gallipoli
The Anzac Day Silence, Religion and Garland
At today's National Ceremony for Anzac Day attendees will stand for one minute's silence to remember all those who have lost their lives in wars and to reflect on what Anzac Day means. The minute's silence has been part of Anzac Day since the first commemorations of Anzac Day on 25th April 1916. Digitisation of old documents allows us to see how the Anzac Day we know today was … [Read more...] about The Anzac Day Silence, Religion and Garland
The Emergence of Anzac Day
Each year Australians and New Zealanders observe Anzac Day on 25th April. ANZAC Day is a day when Australians and New Zealanders remember their war-dead and the terrible suffering soldiers endured while carrying out what they were ordered to do. 25th of April was chosen for Anzac Day in recognition of the day when Australian and New Zealand troops landed on the shores of … [Read more...] about The Emergence of Anzac Day