Gallipoli was a horrible, pointless disaster which generations of political, military and veteran spin doctors have conspired to glorify as some sort of noble, national adventure and ‘coming of age’. In reality, it is a sad monument to the absolute horror and absurdity of war, and the incompetence of the British. We were betrayed by the British, who saw us colonials as utterly expendable. Since then, we have been complicit in this horror by interpreting Gallipolli as the place where we ‘proved’ ourselves to our imperial masters. The groveling in that distortion of reality is pathetic.
I’ve been disturbed in recent years to see the site of this fiasco turned into an ANZAC day theme park for the entertainment of backpackers. I’m with Keating, we should boycott the place:
“Gallipoli was shocking for us,” Mr Keating said yesterday. “Dragged into service by the imperial government in an ill-conceived and poorly executed campaign, we were cut to ribbons and dispatched.
“And none of it in the defence of Australia. Without seeking to simplify the then bonds of empire and the implicit sense of obligation, or to diminish the bravery of our own men, we still go on as though the nation was born again or, even, was redeemed there. This is utter and complete nonsense. For these reasons I have never been to Gallipoli and I never will.”
7 Comments
Keating was always far too smart and honest to survive as a PM.
Trev,
I agree that Gallipoli’s place in our history has been skewed to no longer reflect reality but thousands of young Australians, who still felt close to Mother England and who saw this (tragically) as a great adventure — not dissimilar to today’s Aussie backpackers — died there.
Why should we “boycott” it. Young people need to be better educated about what it represents, be encouraged to think critically about the Gallipoli legend (myth?). There should be a greater focus placed on Kakoda and WW2, when Australians were defending Australia. But that shouldn’t extend to a boycott of Gallipoli.
However naive they may have been, these young blokes in 1915, who went through hell, thought they were doing what was best for Australia (and yes, England) and their bravery should be commemorated not ignored to make a point.
As for Keating? The irony kills me. He accuses Howard of living in the 50s yet the ugly sectarianism of that time still bubbles away inside PJK spurting forth in another anti-British tirade!
I’d prefer to head to Dublin and commemorate the brave lads who died there in easter 1916
I completely agree. I was heartened to hear a past PM speak their mind and agree with them.
Keating should keep his acerbic mouth shut.
Ben Haslem
I agree that more emphasis and recognition should be placed on Australia’s WWII experiences. Milne Bay, alongside the Kokoda capaigns, should be recognised for what they were, great victories at a time when victories in the Pacific were non-existent. And don’t forget the Nth African theatre.
Gallipoli was a precursor to the carnage of the Western Front and in terms of impact to the outcome of the war, was negligable. Where are the accolades for Fromelles, Polygon Wood, Bullecourt, Mont St Quentin, Villiers Bretonneux. Monash’s Leadership etc?
Gallipoli was important as it was Australia’s first enagagement in a global conflict as a nation but it should be put into context with all of the sacrifrices that have been made.
Unfortunatley Gallipoli has swallowed every other achievment and this is essentially where Paul Keating is right.
Generic Person: One who probably voted for John Howard. Paul Keating was right about a lot of things.
The whole Anzac Day circus has become a tawdry exercise in jingoistic tripe. All marketed by people who want to get aboard the moccasin and thong brigade whose dream it is to go to Gallipoli to get smashed, to vomit, and fu-k in the same sands where a young nation lost a generation of young men who died so pointlessly in a foreign war.
If you wont listen to my words, listen to the ones written by ‘Freckle’.
Spot-on Freckle!