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This entry in Osprey's Warrior series looks at the first year and a half of existence of the Anzacs, Australia and New Zealand's contribution to the British Empire's armies during the First World War. This period saw both countries raise, equip and train sizable expeditionary forces and deploy them overseas. Gallipoli is their best known battle, but Australian and New Zealand troops were also used to occupy parts of the German Empire in the Pacific.
The book starts with a look at the pre-war defensive conscription schemes introduced in Australia and New Zealand, before moving on to the creation of the Anzac expeditionary force, its equipment, training and organisation. This is followed by an examination of the Anzac's deployment in 1914-15, first against the German colonies in the Pacific and then famously against the Turks at Gallipoli.
The combination of these two elements gives the book its value. Gallipoli often dominates accounts of the Anzacs, but here half of the space is given to their earlier history, so we get a much better idea of where they came from.
Chapters
Chronology
Recruitment
Training
Uniform and Equipment
Straight into Action
On the Beachhead
Out of Action
Away from the Front
ANZAC
Museums and Re-enactment
Author: Ian Sumner
Edition: Paperback
Pages: 64
Publisher: Osprey
Year: 2011