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Dawn of the Legend: The legend

The story of the Gallipoli landing inspired the legend of Anzac, which since then has been developed, expanded, embellished, confirmed, and sometimes challenged. It still remains central to many Australians' self-image.

Before the war a largely urbanised and newly federated nation had looked to its rural environment for its national character. The "bushmen", and their women, were seen to possess hardiness, democratic spirit, mateship, and resourcefulness.

In 1914, most Australians had high hopes that their soldiers would prove the nation's worth. These hopes were realised in the colourful descriptions of their men in action following the landing at Gallipoli. The bushmen's perceived characteristics were now applied, along with dash and courage in battle, to the Anzac stereotype. These were soon extended to those who served on the Western front, where the term "digger" was also used to describe the Australian soldier.

The mettle that a race can show
  Is proved with shot and steel,
And now we know what nations know
  And feel what nations feel.

A.B. "Banjo" Paterson

 

  • The dawn of the legend
  • 'Worthy sons of the Empire'
  • The failed plan
  • The landing boat
  • The legend
  • The Turkish legend
  • Roll of Honour
  • The Anzac spirit
  • Battles for the imagination

Last updated: 30 October 2019

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Your generous donation will be used to ensure the memory of our Defence Forces and what they have done for us, and what they continue to do for our freedom remains – today and into the future.

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The placesofpride

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Places of Pride, the National Register of War Memorials, is a new initiative designed to record the locations and photographs of every publicly accessible memorial across Australia.

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Visit the Australian War Memorial

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The Australian War Memorial is open for visitors as we work to expand our galleries. All visitors require a free timed ticket to enter the Memorial Galleries and attend the Last Post Ceremony.

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Canberra Highlands in Grayscale

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TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS

The Australian War Memorial acknowledges the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia. We recognise their continuing connection to land, sea and waters. We pay our respects to elders past and present.
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The Australian War Memorial

Treloar Crescent
Campbell ACT 2612
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The Australian War Memorial

Treloar Crescent

Campbell ACT 2612

Australia

 

Opening Hours

10 am to 5 pm daily (except Christmas Day)

 

In preparation for the daily Last Post Ceremony,

galleries are progressively closed from 4 pm.

 

Public entrance via Fairbairn Avenue, Campbell ACT 2612

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