Ryoma Suzuki -
Today, 25 April has become known as Anzac Day in Australia and New Zealand to remember and honour the heroic duties of the Australian and Kiwi soldiers who fought and died in WWI. However, very few outside of Australia and New Zealand have heard or even know of these brave Anzac soldiers. The bravery of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, or Anzacs, was especially highlighted in the Gallipoli Campaign, which was an Anglo-French landing campaign that lasted between April 1915 and January 1916 in the Ottoman-held Gallipoli Peninsula. The campaign consisted of a series of amphibious assaults conducted by Allied forces, including the Anzacs, where they encountered heavy resistance from Ottoman forces upon landing in Anzac Cove and Cape Helles. It quickly descended into a gruelling stalemate that would see over 8000 Anzac casualties, marking the first-ever major military action fought by Australian and Kiwi forces. The campaign has come to hold significant cultural and historical importance in Australia and New Zealand, where it is remembered as a symbol of national identity and sacrifice. It is however important to note that the campaign remains controversial due to poor strategic planning and leadership from Allied commanders leading to the high casualty rate, therefore differing historical interpretations exist in regards to its significance and legacy.
(The 2024 Anzac Day Dawn Service in Europe will take place at the Australian National Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux, France at 5:30 am on Thursday 25th April.)
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