Anzac Day 2022: How the Gallipoli battle helped Australia and New Zealand forge national identities

Anzac Day is the national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand and is celebrated each year on April 25.

The commemorative date is globally recognised and marks the anniversary of the first major military campaign fought by Australian and New Zealand soldiers during the First World War.

In 1915, troops from Australia and New Zealand arrived in Turkey to join the allied fight to capture the Gallipoli Peninsula. Memorial events are now held across the world to pay tribute to the troops, who fast became known as the Anzacs. 

Honouring the bravery of everyone who fought in Gallipoli, remembrance services have taken place since the date was officially named Anzac Day in 1916.

Often mistaken for Australia’s national day (which falls on January 26), Anzac Day is something entirely separate and marks a specific wartime event, as opposed to being the country’s national holiday.

From the history of events that took place on April 25 to today’s worldwide celebrations, here is the story of Anzac Day.

When is Anzac Day?

Anzac Day is held annually on April 25, to mark its original date in 1915. In 2022, Anzac Day falls on a Monday.

What does ‘Anzac’ stand for?

‘Anzac’ is a term which stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps and refers to the group of soldiers formed in Egypt in December 1914. The troops were made up of soldiers from the First Australian Imperial Force and the First New Zealand Expeditionary Force.

The Anzacs are most well known for operating in the Battle of Gallipoli in 1915 but they also briefly reestablished in 1941, serving in the Battle of Greece during the Second World War.

Australian infantrymen being landed at Gallipoli in 1915 The Battle of Gallipoli

On April 25, 1915, the Anzac forces joined the British Empire and French troops at Gallipoli, Turkey, landing at what is now known as Anzac Cove. 

As part of their plans to capture the Gallipoli peninsula and open the Dardanelles to the allied navies, the troops set out to capture the capital of the Ottoman Empire, Constantinople, which is modern-day Istanbul. 

Upon arrival, the Anzacs were met with the Ottoman Turkish defenders and faced a challenging battle in the subsequent eight months.

By the end of 1915, the military objectives were not successfully met and more than 8,000 Australian soldiers had been killed. 

How is Anzac Day celebrated in Australia and New Zealand?

While the eight month campaign resulted in tragedy and troops failing to capture the Gallipoli peninsula, the sacrifices the Anzacs made left a profound effect on those back home and became a source of national pride in Australia and New Zealand. 

The “Anzac legend” soon forged a significant part of both countries’ identities and in 1916, the first commemorations were held on April 25, with several ceremonies across Australia, a sports day in the Australian camp in Egypt and a march attended by 2,000 Australian and New Zealand troops in London. 

Patriotic events continued to be held on April 25 throughout the following years and during the 1920s, Anzac Day was established as a public holiday in Australia. By 1927, every state held a form of commemoration. 

In the 1930s, dawn vigils, memorial services and games of two-up became annual traditions to honour the Anzacs, many of which continue to play an important role in modern day commemorations.

In later years, April 25 evolved as a day to recognise the Australians and New Zealanders who died in the Second World War and since 1942, Anzac Day has been honoured at the Australian War Memorial. 

Today, Anzac Day is a national occasion to remember everyone who served and died in all wars and peacekeeping action.

The Anzac Day dawn service at Elephant Rock, Currumbin Beach on the Gold Coast

Celebrations for Anzac Day typically begin with memorial services held at dawn, to mark the original time of landing in Gallipoli.

Originally thought to cause noise disturbance, the dawn services were previously restricted to veterans and would tend to include a single bugler playing the “Last Post”, followed by two minutes of silence.

However, in recent years, families of veterans and members of the public have also attended the dawn services and the events now often include hymns, prayers and the recital of the “For the Fallen” poem.

Other ceremonies later take place at war memorials on the day, where wreaths are laid to reflect on those who fought and lost their lives. Ex-servicemen and women also join city marches to remember those who served in conflicts.

Rosemary is a significant token which is traditionally worn on April 25, as it was found growing wild on the Gallipoli peninsula.

Across 2020 and 2021, many commemorations did not go ahead and Australia and New Zealand cancelled their Anzac Day events at Gallipoli due to the pandemic. Instead, virtual services were held to honour those who served and died in wars and Australians observed a minute of silence from their homes.

In 2022, Anzac Day events will return in full force with traditional events and marches taking place in Australia and New Zealand.

Pubs and bars will also be allowed to play the gambling game ‘Two-up’ which originated from Australia and involves tossing two coins into the air while the players make a bet on whether they will land on heads or tails.

Popular among Australian troops throughout the First World War, nowadays Anzac Day is the only day of the year where people can legally play the game in all Australian states. 

How is Anzac Day celebrated across the world?

While the dawn services are held in both Australia and New Zealand annually on April 25, other countries around the world including France and the UK also hold their own commemorative observances. 

As well as a Dawn Service and wreath-laying at The Cenotaph, an annual Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving will be held at Westminster Abbey on Monday, April 25, to mark Anzac Day.

Prince William lays a wreath during an Anzac Day 2019 service in Auckland, New Zealand Anzac biscuits

You may be familiar with Anzac biscuits, which are sweet treats made from rolled oats, flour, sugar, butter, golden syrup, baking soda, boiling water, and desiccated coconut.

They were frequently sent to Australian and New Zealand troops and have since become a symbol of the First World War.

Previously known as soldiers’ biscuits, wives and women’s groups would send them to those fighting abroad due to the high nutritional value and the fact that they remained edible, without refrigeration, during transportation.

Anzac biscuits became a common part of the soldiers’ diets in Gallipoli and, even today, are one of the few commercial products legally produced using the term ‘Anzac’. 

This article is kept updated with the latest information.