The Legend of Gallipoli AustralianNewZealandArmyCorps

At 4.28 am on the morning of 25th April 1915 as dawn was breaking over Turkey, soldiers from Australia and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) were landing on the beaches of the Gallipoli Peninsula. Due to a navigational error they had been landed north of their original destination while further south at Cape Helles, British Troops were storming the beaches. As the ANZACs landed, led by the 3rd Australian Infantry Division, a heavily entrenched Turkish enemy bombarded them from the cliffs above. The terrain confronting the ANZAC troops was a mountainous range of gullies and ridges which held a definite advantage for the opposing enemy.      As their mates were being slaughtered by the enemy, these brave young soldiers forged onward under heavy gunfire. Displaying the heroism and bravery they became famous for, the soldiers continued the attack and held off the Turks. In August that year fresh British Troops landed in the north of the peninsula and created a stalemate. Facing certain defeat the allied forces were evacuated from Anzac Cove and Cape Helles in December 1915.        Of the 32,536 Allied soldiers who died in the conflict, 8709 were Australians and 2701 were from New Zealand, making a total of 11,410 ANZACs who made this most precious sacrifice. A total of 86,692 Turks died in this bloody conflict. Although the fighting at Gallipoli had not been a victory, these brave men helped alleviate the mounting pressure of the axis powers throughout Europe by tying up the Turkish manpower that would have been available to the German war machine. At dawn on the morning of the first anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli, Australians gathered to honour these brave men who made the ultimate sacrafice for their country.  This has become an annual event as Australians and New Zealanders gather from all over their respective countries to remember the fallen.  ANZAC day 25th April is now commemorated each year to honour all those who gave their lives for their county in time of war.

The following extract from the poem 'For The Fallen' by English poet Laurence Binyon has become known in Australia as 'The Ode of Remembrance', and is read at all ANZAC day services. It is also read at 6pm daily in Return Serviceman League (RSL) Clubs throughout Australia where members observe one minute's silence and respond to the Ode with the words. 'Least we forget'. Members of the Royal Australian Air Force Police Dog Handlers Association are proud to be a part of this worthy tradition by attending ANZAC day celebrations to honour their fellow countrymen and women who made the ultimate sacrafice in time of war.  Member of the RAAF Police Dog Handlers Association ANZAC Day march. Toowoomba 25 April 1999 Led by Kev Saunders (Warrant Officer -  retired)  |   Doggies Home Page   |   Dogs in War   |   |

Research and Construction of these pages  by:  RAAF Police Dog Handler  Warrant Officer  Glenn J Andrews (retired). Last reviewed 19 May 2006