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I'm an Englishman. I arrived in this country in 1955 as an eleven year old.
I respect and honour those Australians who travelled so far in order to assist in the protection of the Empire. I think it was Winston Churchill who planned the attack on Turkey (I'm open to correction on that) which turned out to be a total disaster for all involved - apart from the Turks.
I also admire and respect the Turks for what they did to protect their homes, their beliefs and their country when approached by an incredibly strong and dedicated foe. The ordinary soldier, foot or otherwise, does what he's told - after all that's the ethos of being a soldier.
When I commemorate ANZAC day or Armistice Day I cannot but remember the enemy and its brave men any more than I could forget those of our allies. We were not alone.
It's odd really, isn't it? We lost a campaign and then adopted it as some form of initiation to warfare to protect the 'mother country'. In WWII 'the mother country' became Australia - rather than the 'Empire'. The enemy then was, of course, Japan.
I waffle. Regardless of the politics, regardless of the results and regardless of any zealotry that might be involved I salute those who fought and those who died in conflicts which were - in all probability - beyond their control.
Best not forget, eh?
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