The legend of ANZAC
Although the government of Australia, as a new member of the British Confederation, was not threatened by the First World War, it decided that it had a constitutional obligation to the Great Britain to take part in the war. The acronym ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
The campaign corp ANZAC was formed in 1914. The first military operation it took part in was the Gallipoli Campaign. The first ANZAC troop landed on Limnos on the March of 1915 and was reinforced in August with additional troops.
On the 25th of April 1915 the landing on the peninsula of Gallipoli takes place. It is estimated that only the first day approximately 2000 Australian lives were lost while for the rest 8 months that the operation lasted thousands of soldiers meet a tragic death. Ships kept transporting injured soldiers back to Limnos. Many of the approximately 4000 Australian and New Zealand soldiers lost their lives and were buried in the Allied cemeteries of Moudros and Portianos.
Despite the resounding failure of the campaign, ANZACs left the island in the beginning of 1917, with the finest memories, as the habitats treated them extensively and friendly. Australians repaid the hospitality at later times by helping Limnian immigrants integrate in Australia.
The 25th of April was established as a national day in Australia and New Zealand commemorating all Australians and New Zealanders. Similar events take place in Limnos, commemorating all those who are buried in the Allied cemeteries.