Anzac Day: 100th Anniversary

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Anzac Day, a national holiday of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand commemorating all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

Image: State Library of New South Wales

Observed on April 25 of each year, the holiday was originally created to honor the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who bravely fought at Gallipoli against the Ottoman Empire during World War I.

At the start of the War, Australia and New Zealand had been dominions of the British Empire for thirteen and seven years respectively. In 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of an Allied expedition to capture the Gallipoli Peninsula and open the the way to the Black Sea for the Allied navies. Anzac forces were to capture Constantinople, the capital of the Ottoman Empire, an ally of Germany. This mission was the first chance the new governments had to establish their reputation on the international stage.

However, when Anzac soldiers landed on Gallipoli on April 25, 1915, they were met with fierce opposition from Ottoman forces. After eight months of fighting, and heavy casualties, the campaign was abandoned and the Allied forces were evacuated.

Despite the defeat, the Gallipoli campaign became a defining moment in both nations’ histories. Its powerful legacy became known as the “Anzac legend,” and exemplified the spirit, courage, bravery and mateship that would not only define future Anzac soldiers, but also the Australian and New Zealand nations has a whole.

In honor of the holiday, we’re highlighting Geni projects dedicated to the New Zealand and Australian soldiers of World War I. Check them out below:

World War One: Armed Forces – New Zealand

World War One: Armed Forces – Australia