anzac day

Anzac Day, as we know it, began to take shape almost as soon as news reached New Zealand of the landing of soldiers on the Gallipoli Peninsula on 25 April. Within a few years core elements of the day were set and the Anzac story and sacredness of the commemoration enshrined.

1915: Gallipoli remembered

The first public recognition of the landings at Gallipoli occurred on 30 April 1915, after news of the dramatic event had reached New Zealand. A half-day holiday was declared for government offices, flags were flown, and patriotic meetings were held. People eagerly read descriptions of the landings and casualty lists – even if the latter made for grim news. Newspapers gushed about the heroism of the New Zealand soldiers.

Anzac Day took on a new meaning in a time of peace. Most New Zealanders saw it as a time to express sorrow, not to glorify war. It became a sacred day, but one that was secular in tone and less like a mournful funeral.

A public holiday

The status of Anzac Day was not clear until the early 1920s. Peace was celebrated from 19 to 21 July 1919, but there was no official day of commemoration for the war. The government was prepared to move St George's Day to 25 April and declare that day to be a government holiday. There was little support for this. Government holidays tended to be religious observances or patriotic occasions, and Dominion Day, the self-styled national day, possessed no emotional appeal.

Anzac Day quiz

This is a simple diagnostic tool to help you get a sense of your students' understanding and awareness of Anzac Day. You can print this out to use with your class, or you can use the interactive version of this quiz, which can be done online.

If your students get any incorrect answers they can use the following to help them check their answers:

• Anzac Day
• The Gallipoli Campaign
• Anzac.govt.nz.

Anzac Day is held on:

The British attack on the Gallipoli Peninsula in April 1915 depended on careful timing and planning. Even if all had gone to plan, the force would have struggled to secure its objectives, especially within the time allotted. While the British were planning their attack, the Turks stockpiled ammunition and other supplies. The German General Otto Liman van Sanders, in charge of the 5th Army, which was defending the Dardanelles, had six first-rate Turkish divisions at his disposal.

Public enthusiasm for Anzac Day waxed and waned during the 1920s and 1930s. Another war brought much more interest. For some years, crowds flocked to Anzac Day. It was a time to express grief and to show that loved ones had not died in vain.

The spirit of Anzac: the Second World War

The outbreak of war in 1939 gave a new meaning to Anzac Day. The commemorations predictably focused on the current war. Speeches appealed for people to follow the 'spirit of Anzac'. Links between the first Anzacs and women and men serving overseas were stressed. During the six years of war, public interest in the day grew, although security concerns meant that large crowds were not encouraged to gather to mark the day.