Anzacs

[Private_collector]

Spirit of The ANZACS is one of the best compilations of modern ANZAC and Australian military tribute music.

My favorite songs are Spirit of The ANZACs, Oh Passchendaele, Forever 18, We'll Take Beersheba, and last but not least Lest We Forget. I bought this albumn when it first came out, and played it to death on my trip down to Bandana to deliver my Sons car in 2016. If ANZAC Day brings a lump to your throat, this CD will have you bawling.

The piece entitled Forever 18, tells the story of a young sailor by the name of Teddy Sheehan, who continued to fire his deck gun during a japanese air attack on his ship. The ship was ultimately sunk. He went down with the ship, still firing his gun to protect his comrades. After hearing this song, I did some light internet research, and read about this fellow. My overwhelming thought was WHY have I not heard about this guy before now! His family have been pushing for a posthumous award, but so far it has been in vane. Imagine making the decision to knowingly end your own life for your mates, and knowing that life will end in the next few minutes for certain.

If you don't have this CD, please consider getting it. You won't regret doing so!

[Mike Cecil]

I've been in touch with the municipality and the local historical society and was grateful to receive a very detailed reply from the latter.

In short, the statement on the municipal website is not correct: the most likely origin of the naming of the hamlet as 'Anzac' was by returning Canadian soldiers who had fought alongside Australians & NZs on the Western Front and after demob, worked on the railway in the post-WW1 period. Up until post WW1, the hamlet was known as Willow Lake - it was only renamed once the railway arrived circa 1921.

There were certainly no 'ANZAC' units working in the far reaches of Alberta, Canada (or anywhere else in Canada) during the First World War, as is indicated by the statement on the municipal website.

The historical society will be approaching the municipality to have the website statement amended.

As an aside, there is also a locality called Anzac on the Parsnip River in the back blocks of British Columbia. So both places are probably named to commemorate ANZAC troops, but for their efforts on the Western Front rather than in Canada. An interesting little aspect of history - thanks, Peter for posting the link.

Mike

[Private_collector]

Thank you for that information, Mike. I say it's an extrordinary gesture on behalf of our Canadian friends, regardless of field of battle. I'm sure you agree.

[hrpearce]

Wow, thanks for the link Tony. Finally have a decent amount of download and now can watch links to video.

[Little Jo]

Hi Guys

Thanks for your comments and input. It was a pleasure to post the video. I am glad it was appreciated and I knew I just had to share it seeing it was appropriate for ANZAC DAY.

Cheers

Tony