Shaping the Legend: The Role of the Australian Red Cross and Anzac

Abstract

Established to assist the sick and wounded in war in August 1914, the Australian Red Cross became one of Australia’s largest and most important voluntary organisations of the twentieth century. Both creations of World War I, the Anzac Legend and the Australian Red Cross appear at first glance to be the antithesis of each other. Yet the humanitarianism of the Australian Red Cross and the militarism of the Anzac Legend are inextricably linked and provide us with a unique perspective with which to evaluate the contested terrain of Anzac. Taking as its starting point the small booklet, Australia at the Dardanelles, 25 April 1915, sold as a fundraiser for the Australian Red Cross during Australia Day, 30 July 1915, this article examines the Australian Red Cross and its connections with the origins of the Anzac Legend during World War I.