THE ANZAC
INFOBOX
Summary: The Australian New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) was a joint military Corps founded during the First World War
Date: 1915
Location: Trained in Egypt; saw action in the Middle East and Europe
- The Formation -
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The Australian New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) was a military corps formed in Egypt, 1915, during the First World War. It was originally named the Australasian Army Corps but protests from New Zealand led to it being re-named the ANZAC.
Original training was done in Egypt and in April 1915 the ANZAC soldiers served in Gallipoli where within 8 months more than 11,000 of them were killed.
Watch "Who Were the Anzacs?"
After Gallipoli ANZAC was split into two new corps. I ANZAC Corps and II ANZAC Corps (and yes, the word Corps is used twice). I ANZAC Corps consisted of the 1st and 2nd Australian Divisions while II ANZAC Corps had the 4th and 4th. The New Zealand Division spent time in both.
They went on to serve with distinction in Palastine and the western front. The term ANZAC (or Anzac) was used to describe the Australian and New Zealand army Corps who took part in the Gallipoli landings, the name was used throughout the rest of the war when referring to Australian or New Zealand troops. Originally Anzac also included some officers from Britain, Ireland, India, Israel, Ceylon and the pacific islands.
- Conclusion -
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The last surviving Anzac, an Alec Campbell, died on May 16 2002. To this day, the Anzac Battle Group is an active Battle Group that is made up of Australian and New Zealand Units.
Researched and Written By
Cody B. Mitchell
About:
The Australian New Zealand Army Corps was a military corps founded in 1915 during the First World War.
"I heartily congratulate you upon the splendid conduct and bravery displayed by the Australian troops in the operations in the Dardanelles. They have indeed proved themselves worthy sons of the Empire."
- Cable from King George V, London, to the Australian Parliament, Melbourne, 29 April, 1915