The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps
ANZAC is the name the Generals gave to the soldiers who jumped ashore at a place called Gallipoli, very early on the morning of 25 April 1915.
Because of the bravery shown by the ANZACs on that day, and for the eight months the soldiers fought at Gallipoli, ANZAC is also the name we give to a special day that remembers all Australian men and women who have fought and died in wars.
On 25 April every year, men and women who have survived these wars put on their medals and march down our city streets to celebrate ANZAC Day. It is a special day for the veterans to meet old friends. It is also a special day for all Australians to be thankful we live in a country without wars.
The ‘Cheerful Idiots’. Soldiers from the 7th Battalion landed at Gallipoli on ANZAC Day, 1915. The first five boats carried 140 men. Only 38 men reached the beach without injury. Private Archibald Hutchison, front row, second from left was killed before he even reached the shore. (Photograph courtesy M. Dan)