Friends of the Odd Bods Association
George V. Smith Award 2025
The Spirit of ANZAC
How was the ANZAC Spirit demonstrated by Australian and New Zealand forces during World War 1, and how has this spirit continued to influence national identity and commemoration in the years since?
Amidst the bloodshed and violence of World War I, a unifying sense of mateship, resilience and courage emerged, best known today as ANZAC spirit. Over the course of WW1, the qualities of the ANZAC spirit can be observed in the feats of Australian and New Zealand soldiers and their continual impact on Australian identity is documented throughout history. The commemoration of such spirit and soldiers has continually developed to represent all those who have served the nation in the years following. This essay aims to examine the ANZAC spirit and its influence on national identity and commemoration.
The term “ANZAC” originated during WW1 in Egypt as an acronym used to refer to the Australian and New-Zealand Army Corps (Australian War Memorial, 2023). The meaning of this term has evolved over the years and has been used to represent various people, places and military formations (Australian War Memorial, 2023). The ANZAC legend relates to the portrayal of Australians in war and their depiction of their experience on the battlefield. The term eventually developed to portray the positive attributes of Australians in wartime, including mateship, courage, endurance, ingenuity and good humour (Australian War Memorial, 2023). Some may argue that WW1 journalist Charles Bean described the meaning of ANZAC best, in his book, ‘ANZAC to Amiens’, "By dawn on December 20th Anzac had faded into a dim blue line lost amid other hills on the horizon as the ships took their human freight to Imbros, Lemnos and Egypt. But Anzac stood, and still stands, for reckless valour in a good cause, for enterprise, resourcefulness, fidelity, comradeship, and endurance that will never own defeat."
The demonstration of the ANZAC spirit can be observed throughout various courageous recounts of soldiers’ time at war. An excerpt from the Gallipoli letter (by Gallipoli journalist Keith Murdoch to PM Andrew Fisher), depicts the courage, mateship and pride displayed by soldiers throughout their daily interactions. In describing the troops, Murdoch’s words, “These lads discussed quite fearlessly the prospects of their death, and their view was, “It is no disgrace for an Australian to die beside good pals in Anzac, where his best pals are under the dust.”,” portray the comradery and bond of friendship observed between soldiers as well as the ANZAC spirit embedded within them from their experiences in the war. The quote also emphasises the respect and sacrifice of their comrades, faced by soldiers and their willingness to endure the same sacrifice for their homeland and to be once again united with their ‘pals’. In his letter, Murdoch also mentions the “grandeur of our Australian army” and the way he was able to witness the meaning of ANZAC firsthand, “Oh if you could picture Anzac as I have seen it, you would find that to be an Australian is the greatest privilege the world has to offer.” Murdoch’s embellishment of the term ANZAC within his letter further supports the demonstration of ANZAC spirit by Australian soldiers in WW1, highlighting that the way the ANZAC’s presented themselves during the war was a model of Australian national pride, a notion that served to encourage Australians across the nation.
Furthermore, Charles Bean’s description of Australian Field Ambulance Stretcher bearer, Private John Simpson Kirkpatrick, exemplifies the ANZAC spirit demonstrated by Simpson and his donkey, who carried wounded soldiers to safety. “…For nearly four weeks [Simpson] came up and down that valley - through the hottest shrapnel, through the aimed bullets of snipers and the un-aimed bullets which came over the ridges. …. The commander of this section of our line told me that the man with the donkey had been worth a hundred men to him.” Bean’s recount of Simpson’s bravery, presents the courage, valour and selflessness displayed by Simpson, who was ready to risk his own safety to rescue those who were helpless, wounded in combat, displaying loyalty, courage and selflessness. His resourcefulness and ingenuity can be observed throughout his use of carrying soldiers on his donkey in the harsh conditions where other methods were illogical, further portraying Simpson’s all rounded approach to carrying out the ANZAC values and spirit. Perhaps this is why Simpson, and his donkey remain one of the most well recognised narratives of ANZAC spirit. Descriptions from journalists like Bean and Murdoch depicting the valiant acts and comradery of Anzac soldiers throughout the enduring conditions of WW1, portray the evolution of ANZAC spirit.
The development of Anzac spirit played a significant part in founding Australia’s national identity and continues/d to influence various lenses of lifestyle today. The landing at Gallipoli is often seen as the “coming of age” of Australia, both as a nation and a contributor to the interests of the Empire and its allies (RSL Queensland, 2022). Over 400,000 Australians served in the Great War with the purpose to exhibit the nations shared core values, solidifying Australia’s place in the world, as a nation independent from its motherland, instead standing as a strong ally. The contributions made by ANZAC’s on the battlefield, were key in developing the overall perception of the nation and its spirit to the world. The Anzac spirit and the character of Anzac’s became a driving force in Australia’s quest to become a positively recognised country, changing its reputation from a convict-stained nation to an international player.
Australian historian, John Hirst, described this ‘quest’ for recognition by Australia in his quote, “Gallipoli freed Australia from the self-doubt about whether it had the mettle to be a proper nation,” (Schultz, 2019). Recounts of experiences of Anzacs in the war fuelled the creation of powerful narratives that possessed the principles of the Anzac spirit contributing significantly to the formation and current standards of Australian nationalism and identity (Ziino, 2017). Such is further supported by Charles Bean who linked that, “the behaviour and performance of Australian soldiers at Gallipoli had proven the national character,” (Ziino, 2017). However, the question exists if such narratives have glorified the war and its perils by over-exaggerating the ANZAC spirit. The opinion that war “was the truest test of nationhood and that Australia’s official status would not be ratified psychologically until her men had been blooded in war” is a quote that portrays being daringly “blooded in war” was Australia’s final trial in truly becoming a nation, that the spirit displayed by young and old Australian men in the Great War was what formed the Australian national identity (Schultz, 2019). This interpretation displays the Anzac Spirit as a mode of propaganda itself, a way to bury the true intentions of Australian men at war by those in power, by portraying them as courageous heroes unknowingly creating the foundations of their nation. “It is an ancient notion that equates battle and blood with independence and freedom; that there is life in death,” (Schultz, 2019). Yet, one cannot deny the impact of the ANZAC spirit on Australian identity, both then and now. Whilst this may not be due to the shed of Australian blood, but a trigger to inspire national spirit inspired by the ANZACs that followed. Following WW1 Australia gained further independence from Britain and engaged wider across the globe by fostering greater diversity and multiculturalism as well as its alliances with other major powers like the US. Australians contributed to many initiatives in the Asia Pacific region, consequently being deemed not only a European contributor but also a trustworthy Asia-Pacific neighbour. This continually displays the ANZAC spirit and principles of the Anzac Legend in the personality and life of Australian soldiers and Australian’s alike, today. While the debate on the significance of the Anzac spirit on our national identity may arise, substantial evidence gravitates towards its positive influence on the development of Australian society and nationalism.
While the significance of the ANZAC myth to Australia's national identity continues to persist today, the commemoration has evolved over time. On the 25th of April 1916, the inaugural Anzac Day was held, with celebrations being held around the allied world. Over 2000 Anzac soldiers marched through the streets of London, being named the ‘knights of Gallipoli’ by a newspaper (Australian War Memorial, 2023b). In Egypt, Australian camps celebrated with a sports day (Australian War Memorial, 2023b).
Around Australia, celebrations were held, wounded soldiers and war nurses parading around Sydney (Australian War Memorial, 2023b). During WW1, Anzac Day was dedicated for patriotic rallies and recruitment campaigns, however commemorations starkly contrasted throughout the 1920s (Australian War Memorial, 2023b). Throughout this period the day was seen as a commemoration and remembrance of the 60000 Australians who died in war (Australian War Memorial, 2023b) and by 1927 every state initiated a public holiday on the 25th of April. The beginnings of ‘modern’ day Anzac Day rituals could be seen in the 1930s, shaping ceremonies and rituals associated with present ANZAC day including introduction of dawn services by soldiers yearning for moments of peace alongside their comrades before a day of battle with this vigil continuing till date. Today, ANZAC day comprises the same principles as its beginnings did, the remembrance of those who sacrificed for their nation. The mere difference is that the day now honours all Australian men and women who participated in military operations over the years. It remains a day of “national remembrance”, with varying services at war memorials across the country, like the Shrine of Remembrance and the Australian War Memorial and in local communities (Australian War Memorial, 2023b). A dawn service is also held at Gallipoli, hosted by Australia and New Zealand, to pay respect to those resting at ANZAC Cove. Many voyage across the seas, to witness this event firsthand, and pay their solemn tributes.
Wesley College also has an Anzac Day service, recognising Old Wesley Collegians that served as Anzacs and all those who have, and continue to sacrifice for the nation. The service, which consists of a wreath laying ceremony and a moment of silence, is a greatly important event throughout the college, providing an occasion for us all to understand the importance of peace, commemorate those who displayed the Anzac spirit, and pray for those who suffered the “ultimate sacrifice”.
Various bodies have dedicated awards to the display of ANZAC spirit in modern society, representing the continual influence of ANZACs and their spirit on Australians. For instance, the RSL ANZAC Peace Prize which is awarded to “recognise any outstanding effort by an Australian citizen who has promoted the concept of international understanding and who, in so doing, has made a contribution to world peace,” and the RSL ANZAC of the year award, which is awarded “to recognise the efforts and achievements of up to seven Australians who have given service to their fellow Australians and to the community in a positive, self-less and compassionate manner,” (RSL Australia, 2021). The evolution of Anzac day is evident however, the essence and ethos is still embodied in how ANZAC day is observed today, keeping the ANZAC spirit alive within Australia.
Throughout WW1 the display of Anzac spirit can be observed through tales presenting the embodiment of courage, mateship and ingenuity by soldiers, which significantly contributed to Australia’s national identity, establishing a sense of unity among the nation, still evident in today’s society. The display of such spirit is commemorated annually, preserving Australia’s oneness with its roots.
“Lest we Forget.”
Reference list
● Australian War Memorial (2023a). Anzac spirit | The Australian War Memorial. [online] Australian War Memorial. Available at: https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/encyclopedia/anzac/spirit [Accessed 22 Mar. 2025].
● Australian War Memorial (2023b). The Anzac Day Tradition | The Australian War Memorial. [online] Australian War Memorial. Available at: https://www.awm.gov.au/commemoration/anzac-day/traditions [Accessed 22 Mar. 2025].
● DVA (Department of Veterans' Affairs) (2022). Gallipoli diary and sketches by Signaller Ellis Silas | Anzac Portal. [online] DVA Anzac Portal. Available at: https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/wars-and-missions/ww1/where-australians-served/gallipoli/landing
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● DVA (Department of Veteran's Affairs) (2023). Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. [online] DVA Anzac Portal. Available at:
https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/wars-and-missions/ww1/military-organisation/australian-imperial-f orce/australian-and-new-zealand-army-corps [Accessed 22 Mar. 2025].
● DVA (Department of Veterans' Affairs) (2023). Enlisting in the Australian forces during World War I. [online] DVA Anzac Portal. Available at:
https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/wars-and-missions/ww1/military-organisation/enlistment Accessed 21 Mar. 2025].
● Lovejoy, J. (2020). The Anzac Legend. [online] Esri Australia. Available at: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/4dfec23a843942568097b5cdb028c344 [Accessed 21 Mar. 2025].
● RSL Australia (2021). RSL ANZAC Awards — RSL Australia. [online] RSL Australia. Available at: https://www.rslaustralia.org/rsl-anzac-awards [Accessed 22 Mar. 2025].
● RSL Queensland. (2022). The Meaning of ANZAC. [online] Available at: https://rslqld.org/news/latest-news/the-meaning-of-anzac [Accessed 22 Mar. 2025].
● Schultz, J. (2019). How the Great War shaped the foundations of Australia’s future. [online] The Conversation. Available at:
https://theconversation.com/how-the-great-war-shaped-the-foundations-of-australias-future-3886 0 [Accessed 22 Mar. 2025].
● Victoria State Government (2017). LESSON FOUR THE EFFECT OF WAR: ANALYSING THE IMPACT OF WAR ON AUSTRALIAN SOCIETY. [online] Available at:
https://www.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-04/soap2017-lesson-4.pdf [Accessed 22 Mar. 2025].
● Ziino, B. (2017). Making Sense of the War (Australia) . [online] 1914-1918-Online (WW1) Encyclopedia. Available at:
https://encyclopedia.1914-1918-online.net/article/making-sense-of-the-war-australia/#toc_nationa l_narratives_anzac [Accessed 22 Mar. 2025].
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