The Book of the Anzac Memorial – New South Wales, published by The Returned Soldiers Association of New South Wales. An ANZAC album issued to mark the inauguration of the ANZAC Memorial in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Sydney, 1934 – First edition.
A special album documenting the heroism and sacrifice of the ANZAC soldiers – the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps that fought alongside Britain in World War I, particularly in the Gallipoli Campaign of 1915. The album extensively chronicles the bravery of Australian soldiers during the war. Printed on thick, high-quality paper, the volume is richly illustrated with numerous photographs, soldier stories, drawings, and an in-depth overview of the planning and construction of the memorial, inaugurated concurrently with the album’s publication.
ANZAC – Australian and New Zealand Army Corps – was formed in 1915 as part of the British Empire’s forces in World War I. The corps first gained renown for its participation in the Gallipoli Campaign on the Gallipoli Peninsula against the Ottoman Empire. Despite the military failure and heavy casualties, the battle became a founding myth in the national consciousness of both Australia and New Zealand, with the soldiers portrayed as symbols of camaraderie, courage, loyalty, and sacrifice. After the withdrawal from Gallipoli, ANZAC units continued to serve on other fronts, particularly in the Middle Eastern theatre – in Egypt, the Sinai Peninsula, and later in the Land of Israel. ANZAC troops took part in key battles as part of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force (EEF), including the capture of Be’er Sheva in October 1917 – which saw the legendary mounted charge of the 4th Australian Light Horse Brigade – as well as battles in Gaza, Jerusalem, Jericho, and the northern valleys. Their contribution was instrumental in the defeat of the Ottoman army in the region and the transfer of control to the British.
The historical memory of ANZAC remains a central pillar of national identity in Australia and New Zealand. ANZAC Day, observed annually on April 25, originally commemorated the landing at Gallipoli but has since become a national day of remembrance for all fallen soldiers. In Israel, official memorial sites to the ANZAC troops include the military cemetery in Be’er Sheva, monuments across the country, and annual joint ceremonies held with official representatives.
93 [2] pp. Original binding with dust jacket, all complete.
