…April 25…
When you think about that date you think about Anzac Day, Gallipoli, Anzac Cove, Red Poppies or Anzac Biscuits.
What is Anzac Day?
Anzac Day is the anniversary of the landing of the ANZACs, it is the day that we remember the soldiers who served and died in WWI, but more specifically we remember the ANZACs who landed at Gallipoli.
Who were the ANZACs?
The ANZACs were the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps
Why did the ANZACs land and fight at Gallipoli?
The ANZACs landed at Gallipoli to fight the Turks. Supplies needed to be sent to Russia and the way that the British went about this was to send the supplies through Gallipoli. But before the supplies could be sent they needed to capture the southern peninsula of Gallipoli.
Where did the ANZACs land?
The ANZACs landed Ari Burnu, which was later renamed Anzac Cove.
Were the ANZACs successful?
Unfortunately, no.
The Turks had feared such an attack and they were well prepared for anything that might come. The ANZACs however, didn’t know this, so they went right into a well-armed battle field.
How many ANZACs were killed?
7,162 were killed and over 33,111 were wounded at Gallipoli.
Also the Turkish and German lost 251,000 soldiers.
When was the first “Anzac Day “?
The first Anzac Day took place on 25 April 1916. As time went on, the ceremony of remembrance was extended to the soldiers of the Second World War. It now honors all New Zealanders and Australians who have served in a military campaign.
What is Poppy Day?
Poppy Day is held on the Friday before Anzac Day. On that day people sell artificial red poppies.
What is the red poppy?
The red poppy – or Flanders poppy – is an international symbol of remembrance for those killed on the battlefield. Its symbolism dates back to Napoleonic times, but its association with WWI and WWII is mainly due to the poem
“In Flanders Fields”
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae
Why are the poppies sold?
Because poppies grow in the field of Flanders where tens of thousands young British troops and ANZACs lost their lives.
The proceeds from the poppies go to the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association (RSA) to support returned servicemen and women and their dependents.
Wearing a red poppy is a way to show your respect for those that died in the war.
When was the first Poppy Day held?
The first New Zealand Poppy Day was held in 1922. The ship carrying the poppies from France arrived in New Zealand too late for Armistice Day in November, when Poppy Day is celebrated by the rest of the world. So, New Zealand held Poppy Day prior to Anzac Day instead. It has been celebrated on that day ever since.
What are Anzac biscuits?
Anzac biscuits (cookies for American readers) are a snack food most commonly made from the primary ingredients of rolled oats, coconut, and golden syrup.
Where did the term Anzac biscuit originate from?
One story is that the biscuits were made by Australian and New Zealand women for the ANZAC soldiers during World War I, that they were reputedly first called “Soldiers’ Biscuits” then renamed “ANZAC Biscuits” after the Gallipoli landing.
Bravo Anzacs
Rings the world with the fame
And glory of Australia’s name
Valiant sons of Britain true
Our great empire praises you
And to history shall go down
New Zealand’s loyal and brave renown
Zeal in every noble heart
Answering plays a hero’s part
Closer binds our empire’s tracks
Sons of Britain, Brave Anzacs
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