What does ANZAC stand for?

The ANZACs came into existence on 25 April, 1915 when Australian and New Zealand Army Corps soldiers fought together during their first campaign of WW1 at Gallipoli, Turkey. They were to take the Gallipoli Peninsula and open up the Dardanelles for the allies.

The campaign was a dismal failure resulting in a stalemate. The ANZACs evacuated the peninsula at the end of 1915 without further loss, but throughout the 8 months, Australia lost over 8700 men while New Zealand lost over 2700. However, the soldiers actions demonstrated many core values such as courage and mateship that are still held with pride. The ANZACs left a powerful legacy giving birth to the ANZAC legend in both countries. ANZAC Day is held on 25 April every year to remember the sacrifices made by our military personnel.

More Info: www.army.gov.au

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13 Comments

Muddy Anthony Waters

The percentages of answers given just shows how much Americans think the world stops at their borders.

Ian Swindale

I once administered the estate (by then the estate was over 55 years old and at that stage was a trust for his grandchildren and great grandchildren) of one of the British Officers who died at Gallipoli and who won the VC posthumously. What makes this officer unique is that he is the only British soldier not buried in the major cemeteries but buried separately as he had before WWI helped the Turks and stopped some of the worst of the genocidal actions by the Turks against the Armenians. The Turks had the highest regard for this officer and burying him separately meant they could remember someone who had prior to WWI helped them. He also had a major Turkish honour bestowed on him - their equivalent of the VC. The whole Gallipoli campaign was an utter disaster.

Cheryl Perkins

To Kiwi's and Aussies, there is a bond of mateship that will never be broken. We may beat the Aussies at rugby and take the p..s out of each other but that's ok.

Helen Dakin

Albeck1994, they mean mateship.

Roslyn Russell

The easiest of questions for an Aussie - the day that everything stops for a morning to honour our veterans on the anniversary of the dawn landing by Australian and New Zealand troops on what is now called Anzac Cove on the shore of the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey on 25 April 1915. This was part of a much larger Allied offensive in the First World War aimed at capturing the Dardanelles, and was the brainchild of Winston Churchill, then Britain's First Sea Lord. As the answer says, it was a disaster, and involved the loss of life of thousands of British, French and Indian troops as well as Australians and New Zealanders.

Kathryn Cavanagh

Ian Swindale, Where is your answer to the question..??

Kathryn Cavanagh

Albeck Wilson-Smith, Heck no.!! In Australia and New Zealand the word is very DEFINITELY MATESHIP..!! Aussies do not call their friends "comrade" , it's MATE and Kiwis are the same.. NEVER insult and Aussie or a Kiwi by calling them comrade..!

Louise C.

Albeck Wilson-Smith, Mateship is a word that we Aussies use.

Carmel Herbert

Thanks Tina Dawson

Morton Bartlett

Albeck Wilson-Smith, Nope it means a whole lot more, Us and the aussie take the micky out of each other at every possible opportunity but if anyone else steps in they will face us both for we are ANZAC's