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Old 16th Apr 2007, 02:22
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Blacksheep
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Because they're the only ones that commemorate Gallipoli, it often seems that the ANZACS were the only people there. In fact, the ANZAC division was only a small part of the operation, but that small part was a VERY significant proportion of ANZAC troops that sailed for Europe. It was at Gallipoli that Australia and New Zealand both achieved Nationhood.
Britain suffered more than twice as many dead than the combined totals of Australia and New Zealand and even France suffered more casualties than Australia. However, we have forgotten, while Australia and New Zealand still remember.

The casualty figures shown on the Australian government web site are not in fact casualty figures at all. They record only the dead: an additional 97,000 Allies and 251,000 Ottoman soldiers were wounded.

Having been a friend and guest of the RAR, I for one won't forget. A banner hung across Changi Village high street one April day long ago, proclaiming:

"ANZAC Day Festival. Selarang Barracks on Saturday. Everybody welcome. Even Pommies can come!"

Aye, the Aussies and Kiwis know how to remember their fallen properly.
Good on yer.
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