First Australian ANZACs

Anzac Day is one of Australia’s most important dates of national commemoration. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War (1914 - 1918), at Gallipoli. Kulasegaram Sanchayan takes a look at the contributions made by the Aboriginal Servicemen.

[Left:] Group portrait of the special platoon consisting of Aboriginal soldiers (all volunteers) with Corporal Mullett (left), Major Joseph Albert Wright (centre) and Sergeant Morris (right). Major Wright, a World War 1 Light Horse veteran, was in charge of this Platoon, which was the only Aboriginal squad in the Australian military forces. [Right:] 1935 1/- ANZAC Australian Pre-Decimal Stamp.

Source: Australian War Memorial