There was no event in World War 2 that had the same significance for Australian identity as Gallipoli. The gallant fight by the untrained men of the 39th (Militia) Battalion in holding up the advance of the Japanese along the Kokoda Track towards Port Moresby was a major event. It was even claimed by Prime Minister Keating in 1992 to be 'the place where I believe the depth and soul of the Australian nation was confirmed'. Public celebration of the event does not seem to confirm that view. There has also been a great emphasis on integrating the Prisoners of War of the Japanese into the ANZAC idea, stressing their mateship, endurance and resourcefulness. But neither of these has generated the power of Gallipoli or the Western Front experience on Australian identity.
To investigate this aspect of the Home Front experience by using evidence from the time, see Home Fronts at War, Ryebuck Media for ANZAC Day Commemoration Committee of Queensland.
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