ANZAC Day Remembrance

Do Accompany Me On My Journey With Acknowledgement Of Those Who Gave Their All In Ensuring Fairness Would Be Sustained And The Land They Called Home Would Remain Safe From Usurpers Visiting Reader...



         The first part of this Remembrance Journey begins with the word ANZAC..... Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.... the term in general within Australasia, that has come to stand for the Australian and New Zealand Soldiers in times of War.

         ANZAC Day is observed annually in Australia and New Zealand in memory of those Soldiers who died in War. The commemoration is held each April 25th, the date of the first landing at Gallipoli in 1915, on a beach now known as ANZAC Cove. It was during the Gallipoli Campaign that the Bond of Friendship was forged and grew between Australia and New Zealand.

         Gallipoli is part of Turkey. Turkey is geographically, politically and officially part of two continents - Europe and Asia.

         To the left, within my wobbly circle indicating Turkey, is Turkey's smaller North Western Thrace which is part of Europe. Still within my wobbly circle, but to the right, is Turkey's larger Anatolia which is part of Asia.

         Thrace is the region in South Eastern Europe, forming part of present day Greece, Bulgaria and Turkey. An area of 8,578 sq km or 3,312 sq miles.
         Anatolia is the Asian part of Turkey, forming the Westernmost Peninsula of Asia.

         On the following Map I've attempted another circle to indicate where Gallipoli is located. As you can see, Gallipoli is located in Turkey's North Western Thrace which is part of Europe, with the Aegean Sea to the West and the Dardanelles Straits to the East - though are not visible to see on this Map.

          The following Map though does show the Aegean Sea and the Dardanelles. The Dardanelles is a long narrow strait dividing the Balkans (Europe) along the Gallipoli Peninsula from Asia Minor.

         The circle, I have again attempted to draw on the larger Map, indicates the area of the Gallipoli Peninsula where on 25 April 1915 the ANZACS first landed and which is now known as ANZAC Cove. The Gallipoli Campaign, which occurred during World War I, ended in January 1916.

         The name Gallipoli is from the Greek Kallipolis, meaning "beautiful City".

         I have been fortunate in inwardly being guided, I will choose to write. From the Australian War Memorial Collections I have these wonderful photos to include in this ANZAC Remembrance Journey...

         The first will give you some idea of what the Soldiers saw as they neared their destination of Gallipoli and ANZAC Cove in 1915...

http://cas.awm.gov.au/item/H13748

         I can barely imagine the daunting feelings that may have begun flowing. The photo, taken in 1915, was donated to the Australian War Memorial by Mrs S.N.Lawrance. What you are also now seeing is Anzac Cove and the Hills behind it, at Gallipoli, Turkey.


         The next photo is of Australian Troops landing at ANZAC Cove Gallipoli, Turkey on (and if my Calendar calculated the day correctly for 25.04.1915) Sunday 25 April 1915....

http://cas.awm.gov.au/item/P00188.006

          One certainly could not consider the Terrain hospitable for the Australian Troops to make camp upon. The conditions must have taxed esteem and emotions with also needing to engage in War manoeuvres under such conditions and Terrain.

         The following photo shows just how steep the Hills seen on arrival were close-up...

http://cas.awm.gov.au/item/C00786

 
       Daunting conditions do you not also feel... and this is without Snow, which did occur by December 1915 prior to all Troops being evacuated. The Photo has been lent to the Australian War Memorial by Lieutenant Healy. The photo was taken in July 1915. As you can see from this corner viewing of ANZAC Cove on the Gallipoli Peninsula Turkey, the hills rose steeply from the Beach      


         I have not gone into the Gallipoli Campaign's detail, but I do hope I have presented an outline that at least gives some insight. From my researching, the Gallipoli Campaign in my view was savage, with truly large loss of life and casualties to all involved considering the short time span involved. Hence my reason for using the word 'savage'.

         Before I move onto the ANZACS I have chosen as my Path of Remembrance to share with you... I will present a Symbol of Remembrance traditionally worn on ANZAC Day to honour all those ANZACS who gave with their lives at Gallipoli in the protecting and preserving of Liberty. I also extend my thoughts of Remembrance to every life lost because of War at Gallipoli.

        A Rosemary Sprig. Rosemary has particular significance for Australians, as is found growing wild on the Gallipoli Peninsula of Turkey.
         Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a woody perennial Herb, with fragrant evergreen needle-like Leaves. It is believed to have properties to improve memory. It is native to the Mediterranean region. Is a member of the Mint Family - Lamiaceae.
         The name is derived from ros - "dew" and marinus - "sea" or "dew of the sea", because in many areas, the only water Rosemary needs to live is from the humidity carried by the Sea breeze.

         The Remebrance Path I have chosen to Journey and share with you for ANZAC Day is with the AUSTRALIAN LIGHT HORSE....
         If you are wondering what is the connection... please continue with me on my Journey of Learning....

           Following the evacuation of Gallipoli in November 1915, Australia and New Zealand units reassembled in Egypt. By March 1916 The ANZAC Mounted Division (originally the Australian and New Zealand Mounted Division) were formed.
         The ANZAC Mounted Division was made up of three Australian Light Horse Brigades and one New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade.
         The Division fought as Mounted Infantry throughout the Middle East.


         What made Australia's Mounted Infantry earn high respect stems from the "Waler"... the horse especially bred to cope with Australia's harsh climate. This wonderful Horse proved to be beyond comparison for steadfastness throughout the Wars it found its self partaking in with its Rider.


         The Waler is an Australian bred riding horse that resulted from Horses first brought to Australia with the First Fleet in 1788. They were originally known as the New South Waler due to the early breeding programmes having begun in New South Wales.
         By the 1860's the Walers were known as the finest Cavalry Horses in the world with their courage and stamina unsurpassed.


         Waler remounts for cavalry needs consisted of 4 types...
1. The Artillery Horse
   heavy type with more Draft influence for pulling the gun carriage and carrying ammunition.

2. The Officer's Horse
   light type with more Thoroughbred influence


3. The Trooper's Horse
   stocky type, versatile, strong and fast, with some Draft influence used for carrying a Trooper and his equipment, often weighing upwards of 130kg - about 260lbs.

4. The Scout Horse
   agile pony type used for relaying messages

         The following photos I have again been privileged to source from the Australian War Memorial Collection. The ones I have chosen for this ANZAC Day Remembrance are mainly focused on the Waler and its Soldier Partner during the Gallipoli Campaign...

         The first photo is by Josiah Barnes, taken in Australia's Victoria Melbourne, at Port Melbourne....

http://cas.awm.gov.au/item/PB1316

           In preparing for leaving Australian Shores are The Light Horsemen embarking Horses up the the gangway for their Journey together across the Ocean to where they are needed.


          The next photo also by Josiah Barnes, maybe taken the same day with also being at Port Melbourne....

         This time it is the leading of the Ambulance Wagon Horses onto the Ship that will carry them to the Shores of War.


         The next photo was taken on board the HMT Melville during May 1915...

http://cas.awm.gov.au/item/H00368

         Men and Horses being transported to the Dardanelles, and appreciated Visitor or Friend, you have already seen what is awaiting these Men and Horses when they reach the Dardanelles of Gallipoli Turkey.


         A Troop of Men and Horses having arrived at Gallipoli, Turkey in 1915...

http://cas.awm.gov.au/item/P00209.001

          Landing the 5th Battery (Australian Field Artillery), 1st Division Horses from SS Karroo on to a pontoon alongside, though we aren't privy to that view.


         The next is from a different angle....

http://cas.awm.gov.au/item/P00209.002

         The Horses of the Australian 1st Division 5th Battery Field Artillery, were to be doing their part at Gaba Tepe. (I apologise, but I do not have the location marked on the Map at this time).

         Of the 6,100 Walers who had embarked for Gallipoli, very few were put ashore. It was decided there was neither room nor requirement for Horses on ANZAC Cove, and they returned to Alexandria in Northern Egypt.


        Overall about 136,000 Walers took part in the First World War, only one ever returned to Australia.... Sandy.... who had also been among those who went to Gallipoli.

         Sandy's Person was Major General Sir William Throsby Bridges, Born in Scotland in 1861 and Died during the Gallipoli Campaign in 1915....

Photo by Alice Mills

Australian War Memorial Catalogue Number A02867

         And the following is a photo of Sandy with Major General Sir William Throsby Bridges, taken when they were in North Africa: North Egypt, Mena in 1915. (again my apologies for not having Map location at this time).

         Donor of the following photo to the Australian War Memorial Collection is the Massey Library....

http://cas.awm.gov.au/item/P05290.001

          Major General Bridges was Commander of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) - The Australian Imperial Force was the name given to all-volunteer Australian Army Forces dispatched to fight overseas during WWI and WWII - and also of the 1st Australian Division in 1914-1915.

         Though not fully visible in this photo, Major General Bridges is holding the bridle of his favourite Charger, Sandy. Sandy is a 15.3 hands high bay gelding with a white star.

         They are standing in front of the tents of the 1st Australian Division at the Mena Camp, Egypt, prior to embarkation to Gallipoli.

         Sandy returned home, the only Horse to do so, in 1918, after spending time in quarantine in England.

         General Bridges was shot at Gallipoli by a Turkish sniper on 15 May 1915 and was evacuated to the Hospital Ship Gascon. The wound became gangrenous, and he died on route to the Hospital in Egypt on 18 May 1915.

         If you are wondering why only one Waler returned, and why it was Sandy... well that is another story, another Remembrance Journey....

         For now I conclude this Rembrance for every ANZAC with the Corn Poppy, Papaver rhoeas... also known as Flanders Poppy, Corn Rose, Field Poppy, Red Poppy and Red Weed....

         Traditionally, Papaver rhoeas on ANZAC Day are only placed at Memorials and Honour boards as wreaths, but that is steadily changing, and the wearing of a single Poppy is becoming acceptable.
         Papaver rhoeas, like Rosemary, flowers in Turkey. It flowers in early Spring, as it did in April 1915 when the ANZACS landed at Gallipoli.
         In English literature of the 19th Century, Poppies symbolised sleep or a state of oblivion.... with WWI Literature, a new, more powerful symbolism was attached to Papaver rhoeas.... the sacrifice of shed blood.
         Papaver rhoeas belongs to the Family Papaveraceae. A Native of Europe, notably as an agricultural weed, hence "corn" and "field", and as a Symbol of Fallen Soldiers.
         A variable annual, forming a long-lived soil seed bank that can germinate when soil is disturbed. Flowers usually late Spring in the Northern Hemisphere, but if weather is warm enough, frequently also flowers at the beginning of Autumn.
         Origin unknown, but in general is seen flourishing where agriculture has been practiced since earliest times.

         Thank you for sharing this Remembrance Journey with me.
I usually list my reference sources in relation to the subject matter, but on this occasion there will only be a few I can actually connect to anything. My research took me in many different directions, and I've compiled the Story from all of them.... so here goes...

The Introductory and Poppy images are from - 

   http://www.animated-gifs.eu

The first two Maps are from - 

   http://www.freeworldmaps.net

The third Map is from - 

   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dardanells

The Rosemary Sprig is from - 

   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosemary

The Portrait Photo of Major General Sir William Throsby is from -

   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Bridges_(general)

All other Photos have their connecting link underneath them.

 Each has been sourced from the Australian War Memorial -  

   http://www.awm.gov.au

Information I have gathered from.....

01. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Bridges_(general)

02. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gallipoli

03. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dardanelles

04. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waler

05. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Light_Horse

06. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poppy

07. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papaver_rhoeas

08. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosemary

09. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ANZAC

10. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Imperial_Force

11. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Australian_Imperial_Force

12. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anzac_Mounted_Division

13. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Mounted_Division

14. http://www.worldatlas.com

15. http://www.awm.gov.au

16. http://www.awm.gov.au/encyclopedia/horses/Sandy.asp

17. http://www.walerhorse.com/whsa/

18. http://www.anzacday.org.au/education

19. http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_are_Poppies_worn_on_ANZAC_Day  

         Well, I can only hope I haven't left anyone out. Ah yes, nearly did... My Microsoft's Task Launcher Australian English Dictionary/Thesaurus I have managed to pin to my Task Bar. Refer to it often.
Looking at that list, knowing I have notes from them all, I really do feel quite proud of my self for having achieved this ANZAC Day Remembrance Journey. I was Born in Australia, but I was not made in Australia, and my Ancestry is of Europe. This has been an interesting Learning Path. I truly appreciate the inner-guidance I felt, and that I have achieved this. I feel I have honoured those that gave so others may live with the right to choose.

         I have done my best to be accurate with putting my research together in a hopefully coherent manner. Any inaccuracies I have imparted I do apologise for, and will repair as I learn of them.

         I have chosen to de-activate all the links, but they still express my appreciation for being there as resource material to draw upon and learn from. They also represent my respect for the many whose effort went into providing the information I have gained both insight and understanding from. The privilege has been in the sharing with you what I have benefited from by doing. The links, though inactive, also provide you with directions to go in if you are interested in discovering more for your self. Each resource has knowledge to impart.

With appreciation from Magda