ABSTRACT

The centenary period of World War I will see an intensification of commemorative activity within Europe and around the world. In Australia, this is likely to peak on 25 April 2015, the one hundredth anniversary of the date when the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (short: Anzac) attacked Turkish forces on the Gallipoli Peninsula; more than 8,000 Australian soldiers were killed in an action that was to stretch to eight months before the remaining troops were evacuated. This episode is a central generative myth of contemporary Australian nationalism—the event is recognised with a public holiday and memorial ceremonies across Australia and around the world at important Anzac sites.