Poster, 'ANZAC'

This New Zealand First World War poster features a summary of the Anzac's achievements up to August 1916. The text is as follows:

'A.N.Z.A.C. It needed a new word to adequately mark the historic rally to the defence of their flag, by southern sons of the Australian New Zealand Army Corps. A.N.Z.A.C.- the symbol of a momentous occasion has been found.

From the imperial point of view Gallipoli was epoch-making. Its results will be seen in the British Empire of the future. New Zealander, Australian, Ghurka and English territorial fought together for a common ideal. Will the glorious heroism of these men make no permanent impress upon our lives, and on the Empire itself? We know that our boys have not fought and died in vain.

Bound upon the great adventure the main body of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force left Wellington early on the morning of October 16th 1914. The call to action came first in February 1915, when a portion of New Zealand forces combining with Australian, English and Indian troops, drove off a Turkish attack upon the Suez Canal.

Then comes the historic landing on the Peninsula of Gallipoli on April 25th 1915. The Turks were ready in strong force. Like lightening our boys leapt out of the boats and pursued the Turks with the bayonet. Absolutely disregarding the terrible casualties which at once occurred, our brave men chased the enemy from ridge to ridge, up steep slopes which, according to all military text books, were impossible for infantry. 'Their casualties have been deplorably heavy.' wrote Sir Ian Hamilton, 'but the morning of the 26th found them still in good heart, and as full of fight as ever.'

The heaviest casualties sustained by the New Zealanders were at the landing, and during the great effort early in August to win through to the Narrows. In the whole Gallipoli campaign our forces suffered the loss of 2,591 killed or died of disease, 5,427 wounded; and 201 missing.

After a well-earned rest, our army of veterans reinforced by regular drafts of well-trained recruits from New Zealand, were transported safely to France, despite enemy submarine activity in the Mediterranean, during which several New Zealand nurses were drowned in the sinking of the Marquette. In France, where the reports of their gallantry won them a splendid welcome from the French people and the British army, they quickly settled down to trench warfare, engaging in many daring raids across No-man's land.

And when the great offensive began, the Anzacs bore their share of the struggle, participated in the smashing of the enemy's carefully-prepared defenses, and continuing to win high commendation from the greatest military authorities in the Allied Forces.

New Zealand's Memorable War Dates

New Zealand Advance Expeditionary Force left Wellington Aug. 14, 1914

New Zealand Advance Force took possession of German Samoa Aug. 19, 1914

Main Expeditionary Force left Wellington Oct.16,1914

New Zealanders in action on Suez Canal Feb.2, 1915

The landing of Gallipoli April 25 '15

Three days battle fails to win ground July 6-8 '15

Suvla Bay Advance - 'The Great Push' Aug. 6-10 '15

Lord Kitchener cables for estimate of losses if evacuation ordered Oct.11 1915

Sir Ian Hamilton, Commander in Chief, recalled to London Oct.16, 1915

The Evauation without casualties Dec 20, 1915

Anzac's arrival on the Western Front announced May 9 1916

Battle of Jutland Bank - HMS New Zealand assists in sinking of German battle cruiser May 31st, 1916

Anzacs take part in great British offensive May 3, 1916

Capture of Poziers, in Somme district by Anzacs July 27, 1916

New Zealand Mounted Rifles assist in routing Turkish army of 14,000 near Suez Canal Aug. 11, 1916'.