Gallipoli: Who Do You Think You Are?

As another Anzac Day approaches, the story of the Gallipoli landing and the eight-month-long campaign that followed will be retold. Most accounts will dwell on stories of reckless courage, endurance, humour in adversity and, above all, mateship. Those qualities, which together make up what we call “the Anzac spirit”, we believe define our nation. Little wonder that the fascination with Gallipoli has never faded, despite the passing of 99 years.
Yet how well do we Australians actually know the history of Gallipoli that has become a central part of our national foundation story? The Gallipoli story, especially as it is widely understood, is riddled with paradoxes and misconceptions. Gallipoli was a powerful generator of myths, and over time, the campaign and its supposed promise of victory have become exaggerated and romanticized. The clouding of myth and romance has obscured the events, distorted historical perspectives, and hampered impartial analysis. In this talk, Ashley Ekins will bring fresh findings and some revealing answers to these important issues.

Presenter: Ashley Ekins

Date: Tuesday 8 April, 12.30pm start

Cost: FREE, gold coin donation welcome