Anzac Centenary Information Sheet - October 2010
On 25 April 2010 the Australian Government announced the formation of the National Commission on the Commemoration of the Anzac Centenary. The Commission comprises: Warren Brown, editorial cartoonist and journalist, National President of the RSL, Rear Admiral Ken Doolan AO RAN (Ret’d), National President of the RSL, former Prime Minister the Right Honourable Malcolm Fraser PC AC CH, former Prime Minister, the Honourable Bob Hawke AC, Major Matina Jewell (Ret’d), former ADF member and peacekeeper and Kylie Russell, veterans’ advocate and nurse.
The Anzac Centenary includes the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings in 2015 and other significant milestones that occur from 2014 up to, and including, the centenary of Armistice Day in 2018, and a century of service in war, defence and peacekeeping.
The National Commission’s first task was to undertake public consultation on how Government should most appropriately mark the Anzac Centenary 2014–2018. On 6 July, the Commission launched a public consultation period, calling for the public of Australia to put forward their ideas about how they would like to explore the legacy of the First World War and the 100 years of service since.
The National Commission has received over 1200 ideas in over 600 submissions from individuals, community groups, arts organisations, schools, ex-service organisations, museums, galleries and local councils and state and territory governments. Many of these submissions will be available to the public on-line next year.
In early 2011, the Commission will provide recommendations to Government on the broad scope and shape of commemorative, educative and interpretive initiatives and activities and the governance process for a commemorative program for the Anzac Centenary.
Submissions to the National Commission
At last count (and there are still a few submissions coming in), Australians have shared well over 1200 ideas in over 600 submissions, with the National Commission. Submissions have been received from people not only in Australia but from Turkey, Belgium, Papua New Guinea and the United Kingdom.
A common theme of the submissions is remembering those who have served, through sharing personal stories of the experience of war. Australians have expressed their keen interest in, not only the servicemen and women of the past, but in those men and women who are still serving Australia at home or abroad today.
In Victoria, each student in one year 4 class at St Roch’s Primary School wrote to the members of the National Commission, sharing their ideas.
Another idea coming through in many submissions is education about our military history and the role of the military today. Ideas in this arena have included school based ‘centenary’ programs or projects in which young people gain a greater awareness and understanding of war and the varying roles Australians have played in war and peace efforts over the past century: ideas include ‘Adopt a Digger’ and ‘Lest We Forget’ projects in which students, research an Australian soldier, seaman/woman or airman/woman.
There are World War I memorials and monuments in towns and cities throughout the country. In many submissions, people have suggested that the centenary of the Great War is an opportune time to examine rejuvenation options and to put into place plans that will allow these cultural and historical icons to survive for another 100 years.
Access to and participation in commemorative activities is a common theme in many submissions. Australians have suggested a number of different ways we can commemorate the service and sacrifice of our servicemen and women. Theatre productions, musicals, books and poetry collections, music compilations and touring art exhibitions all offer opportunities for accessible commemorative programs that will engage a wide range of people.
In many submissions people have put forward their ideas not only to remember the service and sacrifice of our servicemen and women, their families and communities, but to ensure that peace remains our greatest legacy.
DID YOU KNOW?
Multinational Forces and Observers
Australian military personnel have been involved in multinational peacekeeping operations since 1947. In the years since, Australian peacekeepers have served all over the world on operations that range in duration from a few months to more than four decades.
One long-running peacekeeping mission has been the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) operating in the Sinai. Since 1982, more than 1300 Australians have served with the MFO. During its first four years, Australia contributed Iroquois helicopters, their crews and ground personnel as well as headquarters staff and military police.
In 1986 Australia, one of the first original contributors to the MFO, withdrew personnel from the operation. An Australian Army contingent rejoined the MFO in 1993 and Australians continue to serve in a variety of engineering, security, administrative and medical support roles to the present day. Between 1994 and 1997 an Australian, Major General David Ferguson served as force commander
Battle of Broken Bridge
In October 1950, the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR), was at the spearhead of a United Nations advance into North Korea.
As they pushed towards the Chinese/North Korean border the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade, of which 3RAR was a part, was stopped at the icy, fast flowing Taeryong River. North Korean troops had destroyed the only bridge which was now passable only by infantry.
If the North Koreans established defensive positions on the far bank, the Brigade’s advance would be held up. A group of Australians risked the crossing and immediately encountered 50 surrendering North Korean soldiers. Both groups came under heavy, but inaccurate fire before a US spotter plane’s pilot reported a North Korean ambush further up the bank. The Australians withdrew as aircraft, supported by mortar and artillery fire, attacked the North Koreans.
Crossing the damaged bridge once more, Australian troops established a bridgehead on the far bank where they came under artillery, mortar and small arms fire. The North Koreans then launched a tank and infantry attack, only to be stopped by strong defensive fire. With the crossing in Australian hands the Commonwealth Brigade’s advance continued.
The Battle of the Broken Bridge cost eight Australian lives. A further 22 were wounded while on the other side more than 100 North Koreans were killed and some 50 captured.
REMEMBERING KOREA
At 11 am on Saturday 23 October 2010 a national ceremony was held at the Australian National Korean War Memorial in Canberra to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Korean War. Following the ceremony there was a reception at the Korean Embassy, and a dinner at Rydges Lakeside Hotel. Seven State-based 60th anniversary events were held in June and July.