The legend of ANZAC was forged on the hills of Gallipoli in World War One. Here the ANZAC spirit was born, where Australian soldiers exemplified the notion of courage, endurance, ingenuity, good humour, larrikinism and mateship. This section records the horror and humour of Australians at war, discovered in the news and stories of the day.

Colourised Snapshots of Street Scenes in Sydney Following the Official News of the Armistice – November 1918
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1918, will rank as one of the most notable days in the world’s history, for at 11 o’clock on that morning the dreadful fighting which had lasted for over four years and three months came to an end. The actual close of the war was delayed many months, but the conditions of the armistice made it impossible for Germany to resume hostilities. Australia played an honourable part in WWI. Their gallant deeds made the name of Australia famed throughout the world. From the Commonwealth 326,00 men went to war, and of that number 61,720 made the supreme sacrifice, with another 137,013 wounded. Tuesday, 12th November, was a Federal holiday and Wednesday, 13th November, was a State Holiday. Nobody worked and Sydney celebrated. Continue Reading →

Australian Digger Slang – World War II
A guide to slang used by Australian soldiers fighting in the trenches during World War II. First World War, WWII, Aussie Slang, Digger Slang Continue Reading →

Australian Digger Slang – World War I
A guide to slang used by Australian soldiers fighting in the trenches during World War I. First World War, WWI, Aussie Slang, Digger Slang Continue Reading →

A Legacy of Sacrifice – Cpt. Roy Hector Blashki, 53rd Bty. 14th Bde., A.F.A., A.I.F
In memory of Captain Charles Duncan, Enlisted: 1 July 1915, of the 14th Brigade, Australian Field Artillery, Australian Imperial Force (AIF), KIA 3 August 1917. Continue Reading →

A Legacy of Sacrifice – 2Lt. Harold William Harper, 21st Bn., A.I.F.
In memory of Private Harold William Harper, Enlisted: 15 March 1916, Soldier No. 6517 of the 21st Batallion, Australian Imperial Force (AIF), KIA 4 October 1917. Continue Reading →

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