World War I (1914–18)

Apart from conflict between settlers and the Aboriginal people, Australia has had a remarkably peaceful history. There have been no civil wars or revolutions.

Generations of Australians remained very loyal to the British Empire.

As a European outpost close to Asia, Australia historically felt vulnerable, especially after Japan became a great power. We relied on the British Empire and its naval strength to defend Australia. Australia fought in both world wars to keep the British Empire strong and to protect Australia.

Australia entered World War I in August 1914, and in 1915 took part in an attack on Germany’s ally, Türkiye.. The men of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (Anzacs) were given their own part of the Gallipoli Peninsula to attack.

They had to climb steep cliffs while being shot at by Turkish troops. Somehow, they got up the cliffs and dug in, although many young men died. Australians at home took tremendous pride in the spirit of the Anzacs.

After Gallipoli, the Australian forces fought on the Western Front in France and Belgium. It was here that they got the name ‘diggers’ because they spent so much time digging and fixing trenches. Led by their commander, Lieutenant General Sir John Monash, the Australian diggers won great victories in the last battles against Germany and won the enduring gratitude of the French, whom they were helping.

Australian servicemen and women also served in the Middle East, participating in the defence of the Suez Canal, and the Allied conquest of the Sinai Peninsula and Palestine.

Simpson and his donkey— John Simpson Kirkpatrick (1892–1915)

Private John Simpson served at Gallipoli in the ambulance medical corps as a stretcher bearer. It was difficult to carry stretchers through the hills and the valleys. Against army orders, he used a donkey, named Duffy, to help transport the wounded soldiers back to safety.

Day and night, hour after hour, Simpson and his donkey would risk their lives travelling between the fighting and the beach camp.

Private John Simpson had arrived at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. He was killed just four weeks later by enemy machine guns. Servicemen at the beach camp watched in silent sadness as Duffy, still carrying an injured soldier, trotted towards the beach without his young master by his side. John Simpson Kirkpatrick is an Australian legend.