ANZAC day

[Coss]

 

Lest we forget.

 

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I came across a reference to a very interesting bunch of soldiers, in a news item, on a local, who has finally got a headstone.

 

 

Popski's Private Army, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Popski's_Private_Army  worth a read.

These guys could be the source, for any number of "derring-do", movies made since those times.

 

[Coss]

ANZAC day 2023, we will remember 

Commemorating, those who gave their lives, so we don't have to.

And though unrelated,  but perhaps a fitting image, the Aurora Australis from Auckland

 

 

[Coss]

ANZAC day.

I always think that the sacrifices others made, allowed for some of the best times humanity has had and in particular my generation's fortune, to not have to serve in a war.

That is not to say that there have been no wars, just that my life has been blessed in this regard.

My paternal grandparents met in WW1, she a nurse and he a wounded soldier.

Not strictly in the ANZAC Corps, but part of the same shindig.

Lest we forget.

These days: Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders "who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations" and "the contribution and suffering of all those who have served" (excluding those in the New Zealand Wars however), it is also used as a time to reflect on the reasons why World War 1 was started and by who. Observed on 25 April each year, Anzac Day was originally devised to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who served in the Gallipoli campaign, their first engagement in the First World War (1914–1918).

ref: The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) was originally a First World War army corps of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force. It was formed in Egypt in December 1914, and operated during the Gallipoli campaign. General William Birdwood commanded the corps, which primarily consisted of troops from the First Australian Imperial Force and 1st New Zealand Expeditionary Force, although there were also British and Indian units attached at times throughout the campaign. The corps disbanded in 1916, following the Allied evacuation of the Gallipoli peninsula and the formation of I ANZAC Corps and II ANZAC Corps. The corps was reestablished, briefly, in the Second World War during the Battle of Greece in 1941. The term 'ANZAC' has been used since for joint Australian–New Zealand units of different sizes.

[bust]

While at the Dawn Service this morning, the lower back started to ache a bit. Usually does these days after standing for a hour. I overcome it as I have before by thinking about what discomforts those we are there paying our respects to, had to endure. I have been attending Dawn Services since I was a small child as my father would drag us there ever year where he would meet up with his Vietnam Vet mates. As kids we looked forward to the free soft drinks and snacks with little understanding of the significance of the event.

It's a special day for us Australians and Kiwis.

The obelisk where I pay my respects each year is a very important one in the history of our ANZACs, In 1917 Randwick Road – which led from the city boundary south from Moore Park – was widened and renamed Anzac Parade. The opening was marked by the erection of the ANZAC Obelisk at the northern end of the Anzac Parade at the intersection of Moore Park Road.

This obelisk (1917) is significant as being one of the earliest monuments dedicated to the role of the ANZACs of WWI, preceding the Martin Place Cenotaph (1927) and the Hyde Park War Memorial (1934).

The Anzac Parade Memorial Obelisk was the diggers’ own war memorial.  It marked the place where many of the battalions of volunteers who left Australia to fight had marched in 1914 past the cheering crowds, on their way from the Randwick barracks to the ships.

[bust]

Lest We Forget

While standing at the Dawn Service earlier today, an elderly gentleman related the story of the 30th Battalion who were assigned to defend Ari Burnu on the Gallipoli Peninsular. Their only protection a couple of sand bags which they would frequently retreat from to fire their rifles.

As he finished he reflected on the sacrifices of the many which allowed us to be standing there this morning. As I watch what is unfolding around the world, I feel blessed to be here in Australia so far removed from all the hostilities abroad.

[Coss]

"It's a special day for us Australians and Kiwis.

I feel blessed to be here in Australia so far removed from all the hostilities abroad."

Resonating I am...

So many died, to give us a blessed life.

 

 

[bust]

We Will Remember Them

[Coss]

Lest we forget.

 

Allied troops in the only game of cricket played on the peninsula during the campaign. It was an attempt to distract the Turks from the imminent departure of Allied troops. Shells were passing overhead all the time the game was in progress. No word on who won.

Imperial War Museums. LINK

[Coss]

side bar: the 1915–1916 Gallipoli Campaign is famously known as "Churchill’s Folly".

As First Lord of the Admiralty, Winston Churchill was the primary proponent of this naval-led, later amphibious, assault designed to break the WWI stalemate.

The failed campaign resulted in over 250,000 Allied casualties and led to Churchill being sacked.

[Old Hippie]

5 hours ago, Coss said:

side bar: the 1915–1916 Gallipoli Campaign is famously known as "Churchill’s Folly".

As First Lord of the Admiralty, Winston Churchill was the primary proponent of this naval-led, later amphibious, assault designed to break the WWI stalemate.

The failed campaign resulted in over 250,000 Allied casualties and led to Churchill being sacked.

I recall reading somewhere, this was why Churchill was initially against the D-Day invasions, he feared it would be another Gallipoli.