Imagine living in a time where communication was mainly face to face or by letters written in ink – no mobile phones, no internet, no television. Life was harder, without all the modern conveniences of now, and some would argue that life was much simpler. Nationalism and patriotism were in their infancy. At this time Australia was still tied to the umbilical cord of England and lacking a truly independent identity.
It was not surprising then, that so many young men and women signed up to join the armed forces when Britain declared war in 1914. It was a time when one did not question one’s duty; one simply did what was expected. As in Alfred Lord Tennyson’s famous poem, “The Charge of the Light Brigade”, it was a different era:
"Forward, the Light Brigade!"
Was there a man dismay'd?
Not tho' the soldier knew
Someone had blunder'd:
Theirs not to make reply,
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do and die:
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
In 1917, Australia had a population of a mere 5 million people, scattered over a vast landscape between rural and urban areas. The only means of international transport was a sea journey, which to Britain took two months and even transport within the country was painfully slow.
Over 60,000 men and women died in World War 1. What hopes and dreams did these 60,000 people have? What aspirations lived in their hearts for a better life for them and their families? Ross McMullin (The Weekend Australian, Review 21-22 April, 2012) wrote recently about a few of these men killed at Gallipoli.
Bob Bage, an engineer from Victoria who was an invaluable member of Douglas Mawson’s expedition to Antarctica was killed at Gallipoli, after surviving in the most terrible of circumstances in Antarctica. What might have become of this amazing man had he survived WW1?
Gordon Mathison, an internationally renowned medical scientist was fatally wounded, at 31 years of age at Gallipoli. Would he have been another great medical scientist like Professor Ian Frazer?
Alexander Turnbull, a West Australian Rhodes scholar, was another outstanding young Australian who was destined for great heights in law or politics and at 27 years of age was cut down in his prime at Gallipoli. Ted Larkin, a rugby international who was an up and rising star in politics was killed in Gallipoli aged 35. Would Turnbull and Larkin have become great politicians or Prime Ministers even? We will never know.
There are 60,000 Australian stories of lives cut short in defence of our precious country – some of these 60,000 were great people with unfulfilled destines. Many of the 60,000 though, were just ordinary people like you and me and were thrust into extraordinary circumstances by history. The time and place of their birth determined their destiny in life – to become heroes, forever immortalised by Anzac Day.
None of these people set out to be heroes. They were not particularly well trained nor particularly well resourced. They were however extraordinary men and women because they served and fought for the freedom of all Australian and New Zealanders.
60,000 Australians died in World War 1 and many more have died since protecting our freedom and way of life. Anzac Day is one special day when we honour their memory. In a way they do live on in our collective memories each year when we pause to remember them.
‘Lest We Forget’
All that remains, now that the last of the ANZACs has died, are the medals that honour their memory. This poem written by Clyde Hamilton: is a moving salute to our heroes, called:
Not a Hero
The ANZAC Day march was over - the old Digger had done his best.
His body ached from marching - it was time to sit and rest.
He made his way to a park bench and sat with lowered head.
A young boy passing saw him - approached and politely said,
"Please sir do you mind if I ask you what the medals you wear are for?
Did you get them for being a hero, when fighting in a war?"
Startled, the old Digger moved over and beckoned the boy to sit.
Eagerly the lad accepted - he had not expected this!
"First of all I was not a hero," said the old Digger in solemn tone,
"But I served with many heroes, the ones that never came home.
So when you talk of heroes, it's important to understand,
The greatest of all heroes gave their lives defending this land.
"The medals are worn in their honour, as a symbol of respect.
All diggers wear them on ANZAC Day - it shows they don't forget."
The old digger then climbed to his feet and asked the boy to stand.
Carefully he removed the medals and placed them in his hand.
He told him he could keep them - to treasure throughout his life,
A legacy of a kind - left behind - paid for in sacrifice.
Overwhelmed the young boy was speechless - he couldn’t find words to say.
It was there the old Digger left him - going quietly on his way.
In the distance the young boy glimpsed him - saw him turn and wave goodbye.
Saddened he sat alone on the bench - tears welled in his eyes.
He never again saw him ever - but still remembers with pride,
When the old Digger told him of Heroes and a young boy sat and cried.
Lest We Forget
Karon Graham
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