The following has been judged the best essay about the Spirit of ANZAC by a student of Wesley College, Glen Waverley Campus in 2024. The student, Pranavi Dhame, received the George V. Smith Award from Friends of the Odd Bods, and the Smith family at a Commemoration Service at Wesley. Pranavi received a Certificate of Appreciation, and a $500 online book voucher.
The ANZAC Spirit
Pranavi
Dhame Year 9
Before 25th April 1915, the acronym “ANZAC” held no meaning, and represented nobody. By the end of the First World War, it was a term encompassing hundreds of thousands of soldiers, and bringing with it an undying legacy of bravery, patriotism, and selflessness: what is known today as the ANZAC Spirit. This was described by historian Charles Bean as “reckless valour in a good cause, for enterprise, resourcefulness, fidelity, comradeship and endurance that will never defeat.” This was the unwavering belief that filled the hearts of many with courage and the faith that inspired over 400,000 Australian men to enlist during World War 1. Today, ANZAC day is strongly linked with the Gallipoli Campaign of WW1, as well as soldiers whose actions significantly influenced the ANZAC spirit.
One of these heroes was VC recipientCaptain Albert Jacka, who performed several feats of military bravery. The first of these was during the Gallipoli campaign, where he recaptured a section of military trench with two others despite being heavily outnumbered. Intelligently, he orchestrated a bomb throwing distraction while quickly firing at the enemy, forcing them to retreat.While this was only a small victory, the impact of Jacka’s actions rippled through the exhausted, demoralised ranks like a wave. Many soldiers were given a reason to keep fighting; a reason to keep going; despite being trapped in an overwhelming cycle of pain, fatigue, and fear. The ranks were motivated, bound together by a newfound willingness to sacrifice and a grim discipline to see the conflict through. The work of one man was the inspiration of thousands: extending past Gallipoli to home shores as well.
Another commemorated man was Private Leonard Keysor, another Victoria Cross recipient whose determination and devotion helped defend an important trench during the Battle of Lone Pine. Previously in the battle, Keysor was wounded twice, requiring medical attention. However, he vehemently refused to leave for treatment; instead helping Private James Tallon throw bombs at the enemy. Despite suffering through tremendous agony and weakness, Keysor continued to hurl bombs for a reported 50 hours, getting wounded again in the process. While still recovering from injuries, he once again returned to the bomb-throwing line the following day, continuing until the situation was relieved. This selfless act of commitment strengthened the resolve of the ANZACs as they drew motivation from their comrade. His dedication proved how deep his loyalties lied and displayed his willingness to bear his own suffering and fight for his country. Keysor served as a nationalistic example; a hero that any young man could aspire to be on the battlefield.
The examples set by these extraordinary acts led to the enlistment of thousands of ANZACs, all determined to honour their countries and return as heroes. However, nearly two thirds of the men that left never came back. Thousands were left to die slow, painful deaths on the battlefield. Many others died quickly, their lives seeming to end as soon as they had begun. The lucky few returned home, irreparably scarred as the rattling of gunfire rang in their ears and the sparks of grenades flashed behind their eyes. No number of medals could undo their suffering, and no amount of praise would erase the horrible memories. The sacrifice made by each of the ANZACs was to lay down the foundation for their country’s future, piece by piece, soldier by soldier. Their lives were violently cut short to ensure that we have a future beyond hurt and conflict. They suffered horrific conditions and painful wounds to ensure that we don’t endure the same.These sacrifices were made with the hope that future generations would live in safety and freedom; the hope that the ANZAC spirit would be passed from one generation to the next. It is like a flaming torch: fuelled eternally by the hopes, passions, and courage of millions of people.
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