You think you know about the Anzacs at Gallipoli because you've seen the movie?
The Anzac legend has become a large part of the 'creation myth' that contributes to Australia's modern day identity. But just how true is the story we think we know?
We may have already taken the trouble to think a bit beyond the 'official story' that the powers-that-be encourage us to believe and identify with. Or our understanding may already go beyond the highly emotive but possibly artificial experiences of organised journeys such as Anzac Day pilgrimages to Anzac Cove. But are we still seeing this story through highly rose-coloured glasses?
In this very interesting documentary, presenter and journalist Kate Aubusson goes on a journey of discovery to find out something about her own forbears who fought for Australia in the Great War. With the help of some of Australia's foremost military and wartime historians, such as Professors Robin Prior and Joan Beaumont, and Drs Roger Lee and Rhys Crawley, as well as retired Major General Jim Molan, she discovers a lot of things that aren't exactly in line with the story we all know. Or think we do.
If you want to know the real story of ANZAC in Gallipoli and on the Western Front, this is a very good place to start. It may at the very least stop you acting like a national embarrassment when you visit these foreign battlefields as part of your overseas trip. And just maybe it may awake in you the desire to learn more about our fascinating true history, and open your eyes to some things that you might think we should have got right by this time.
Well worth a look!