In the predawn darkness of April 25, 1915, soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, later to become known as Anzacs, waded ashore on the beaches and rocky outcrops of the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey.
What were they doing there?
Both countries were very new entities with strong government, cultural and security links to the British Empire. Britain was at war with Germany, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Ottoman Empire. As a result, Australia and New Zealand were also at war. The objective of the Gallipoli campaign was to relieve pressure on the Western Front by moving up the Turkish peninsula, capturing Constantinople (now Istanbul) and thereby forcing the surrender of the Ottomans.
For Australians and New Zealanders who had up to that point been primarily focused on the domestic imperative of establishing ourselves as new countries, the reception in Gallipoli came as a rude shock. The Ottoman soldiers, heroically led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, later to become the founder of modern Turkey, were waiting for them in well-prepared defensive positions, supported by very difficult terrain.
By the end of the first day of fighting, more than 2,000 Australians and New Zealanders had been killed or wounded. By the end of the Gallipoli campaign in December 1915, 8,709 Australians and 2,721 New Zealanders had made the ultimate sacrifice (some 86,692 Ottoman troops also perished in the fighting). For the Anzacs, these figures were to increase significantly by the end of the First World War, when more than 60,000 Australians and 18,000 New Zealanders in total lost their lives.
The Gallipoli campaign was the first major combined military action fought by soldiers from Australia and New Zealand. Failure though it was, it has become over the years to be interpreted by many as the seminal moment in the history of both nations, where we became known on the stage of international affairs.
Since the First World War, Anzac Day has become a special commemoration for Australians and New Zealanders to remember the sacrifices of our serving men and women in all wars and theatres. This includes the Second World War, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, along with many peacekeeping missions.
For many, the Anzac ethos or spirit – mateship, sacrifice, defiance in the face of adversity – is a defining trait of our respective national identities. It binds Australians and New Zealanders forever in a way that nothing else – not even competitive sporting rivalries such as rugby or cricket – could possibly achieve.
In New Zealand, there is a Maori saying: “He Toa Taumata Rau” or “Courage has many resting places”. The Anzacs were the first, but have not been the last of our young people who have together served their countries with distinction in places far from home.
Dawn services take place annually in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. These are important events for the growing numbers of Australians and New Zealanders who live in the UAE (over 20,000) or visit this country (more than 350,000 every year). They also take on added significance given the shared determination and military contribution from the UAE, Australia and New Zealand forces to fight ISIL extremists. The UAE is taking part in coalition air operations over Syria. Australian air force elements are attacking ISIL positions in Iraq.
Australia and New Zealand have also recently announced a contribution of up to 400 personnel to build the capacity of Iraqi army units. These actions demonstrate our shared commitment to supporting the maintenance of a stable and prosperous region.
Dawn services are solemn and moving occasions, beginning at 5am in the predawn darkness, the same that our troops faced at Gallipoli, and concluding in the light. The services are open to all members of the public and there is no admission fee. We expect significant turnouts as we mark the 100th anniversary of Anzac Day this year.
Lest we forget.
Pablo Kang is the Australian ambassador to the UAE
On Twitter: @AusAmbUAE
Jeremy Clarke-Watson is the New Zealand ambassador to the UAE
The Abu Dhabi Dawn Service on Saturday, April 25, will begin at 5am sharp on the Falcon Lawn at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Hotel. Details of other services can be found at www.uae.embassy.gov.au
