ANZAC Day history began in the darkness before dawn, as Australian and New Zealand soldiers rowed towards Gallipoli on 25 April 1915.
The landing at Gallipoli was anticipated to be a quick action that would remove Turkey from World War I (WWI). Instead, it escalated into an eight-month battle with heavy casualties on both sides. More than 8,700 Australian soldiers lost their lives and another 19,441 were wounded.
The first major military action fought by Australian forces during WWI, it sent shockwaves through Australian society that are still felt today.
