World War 1 (1914 - 1918)
For Australia, the First World War remains the most costly conflict in terms of deaths and casualties. From a population of only five million, over 300,000 enlisted men were sent overseas, of which over 60,000 were killed and 156,000 wounded, gassed, or taken prisoner.
From 1916 to 1918, 46,000 died and more than 132,000 were wounded on the Western Front. Many soldiers were wounded more than once. About 11,000 soldiers have no known grave.
Over 8,000 Australian soldiers died in the Gallipoli campaign, and even though the campaign was a failure, the ANZAC legend was formed. Australia was a young nation and the courage and character shown by Australians at Gallipoli was quickly recognised and honoured back home.
ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. ANZAC Day is held on April 25 and is the anniversary of the first major military action by Australian and New Zealand forces in the 1915 – 1916 Gallipoli campaign during WW1.
The First World War is often referred to as ‘The Great War’ or the ‘War To End All Wars’.
The Australian War Heroes Song on the video above is a national war memorial song.