ANZAC or Anzac?

[Lang]

You are right about the significance to the two countries in establishing some sort of independent identity (while still fighting a war under command of the mother country). While always aware that one should barrack for the home team I think we should try to keep things in perspective and recognise the efforts of the others on the field, in any conflict, including the enemy.

As far as the long term myth about the ANZAC force going ashore at the wrong beach, General Bridges maps show Ari Burnu (the little bump on the north end of ANZAC Cove)quite clearly being included in the invasion with ANZAC Cove and North Beach either side of it as the beach head.

There was an excellent TV documentary last week on this subject which demonstrated how much the British knew about the Turkish positions from Aerial observation. The Anzacs went ashore silently with relatively little opposition. The smart diversionary approach by the British to the north held the Turkish main reserve back allowing the ANZACs a free kick to get about 8,000 men ashore before Ataturk overstepped his authority and committed the local Turkish reserve. It was all downhill for the invaders after that.

The British decided to announce their arrival with a naval barrage and as a result were slaughtered in the Clyde operation.

North Beach became the centre of operations and is where the memorial services are held today.

Lang