Leslie Massey
Before World War I, Australians were anxious about the rising tensions in Europe and the possibility of being pulled into a war alongside Great Britain. As Australia was still a young nation, its people were united in their support for the British Empire, with the majority of citizens being of English descent. Many Australians believed the war would be a chance to see the world and make England proud of her colony, and they eagerly volunteered to serve. However, as the war dragged on and the reality of the cruel conflict set in, the number of volunteers began to decline. The harsh conditions, heavy casualties, and brutal nature of trench warfare took a toll on Australian soldiers, and their experiences shaped how they viewed the war.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sense of patriotism | High |
| Belief in a quick war | High |
| Belief in soldiering as a chance to see the world | High |
| Belief in making England proud of her colony | High |
| Anxiety about the war in Europe | High |
| Anxiety about German colonial occupation of New Guinea | High |
| Anxiety about long-term threats from Asia, specifically Japan | High |
| Commitment to the principle of a White Australia | High |
| Pride in British racial superiority | High |
| Aspiration for a more democratic and equal society | High |
| Lack of discipline | High |
| Casual and highly self-conscious attitude | High |
| Independent thinking | High |
| Belief in individual agency and the right to question authority | High |
| Belief in the Anzac legend | High |
| Belief in the importance of national identity | High |
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What You'll Learn
- Australians were united in the cause to defeat Germany and protect Britain
- Many Australians believed the war would be over quickly
- Australian soldiers were known for their lack of discipline
- Australians experienced the war through two languages of commemoration
- Australian women contributed to the war effort in various ways
Australians were united in the cause to defeat Germany and protect Britain
Australians were united in their cause to defend the British Empire and protect Britain during World War I. As a young nation, Australia's population was predominantly of English descent, and this sense of shared patriotism was reflected in the words of Prime Minister Joseph Cook: "Remember that when the Empire is at war, so is Australia at war". This loyalty to Britain was further demonstrated through Australia's willingness to join the war effort and aid the 'mother country' in her fight against Germany.
The Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force was formed soon after the war's outbreak, and in September 1914, they occupied the German colony of New Guinea. The Australian warship Sydney also played a crucial role in sinking the German cruiser Emden near the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, marking the Royal Australian Navy's first victory at sea. These early contributions to the war reflected Australia's commitment to protecting Britain's interests in the Pacific region.
The ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) troops became known for their fearless and ruthless attitude towards the Germans, earning the respect and, at times, fear of their enemies. Their reputation for being 'ignorant of danger' was exemplified in their willingness to attack without artillery support, believing that "machine-gun fire could not do them much harm". This recklessness, however, often resulted in heavy casualties, as seen at Fromelles in July 1916, where they suffered 5,533 casualties in just 24 hours.
Despite the fading enthusiasm for the war as it dragged on, the sacrifices made by Australian soldiers and their families were significant. Women played a crucial role in supporting the war effort, with thousands serving as nurses in war zones and others contributing through volunteer work, fundraising, and distributing food. The experiences of Australian soldiers and their families during World War I helped shape a sense of national identity and pride, with the ANZAC legend becoming an integral part of Australia's national character.
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Many Australians believed the war would be over quickly
Many Australians believed that World War I would be over quickly. In the early days of the war, Australian Prime Minister Joseph Cook reflected this sentiment in his statement:
> Remember that when the Empire is at war, so is Australia at war... I want to make it quite clear that all our resources in Australia are in the Empire and for the Empire and for the preservation and security of the Empire.
This early enthusiasm for the war was driven by a sense of patriotism, as the majority of Australian citizens at the time were of English descent. Additionally, pre-existing currents of Australian nationalism were amplified by the war, with the behaviour of Australian soldiers at Gallipoli in 1915 seen as a vindication of the uniquely Australian virtues of resourcefulness, mateship, and egalitarianism.
The belief that the war would be a short one was also influenced by the idea that soldiering would be a chance to see the world and make England proud of her colony. However, as the war dragged on, the reality of the conflict began to set in. The enlistment of Australian volunteers steadily declined as the mounting casualty rates took their toll on Australian society. By 1916, the early enthusiasm for the war had faded, and Australia struggled to provide the reinforcements requested by the British government.
The cruel reality of the war was brought home by soldiers who wrote about their experiences. One Australian soldier wrote:
> There, dead lay everywhere. The deeper one dug the more bodies one exhumed. Hands and faces protruded from the slimy toppling walls of trenches. Knees, shoulders and buttocks poked from the foul morass...
The discrepancy between the expected brevity of the war and the protracted reality had a significant impact on Australian society, shaping the way Australians made sense of the conflict and its place in their national identity.
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Australian soldiers were known for their lack of discipline
Australian soldiers in World War I were known for their lack of discipline, which caused concern among British Army officers and high-ranking officials. This reputation for insubordination was attributed to their casual and self-conscious attitude, as well as their tendency for independent thinking. Field-Marshall Douglas Haig attributed the higher incarceration rates of Australian soldiers in Europe in 1918 to their low standard of discipline. The incarceration rate was significantly higher among Australians, with an average of 9 per 1,000 soldiers in prison, compared to 1.6 per 1,000 among Canadians, New Zealanders, and South Africans.
Australian troops often refused to follow orders if they disagreed with them, even threatening their own Military Policemen with loaded rifles when they attempted to discipline one of their own. Haig's diary entries reveal his impression of the Australians as "splendid fellows but very ignorant." He recounts an instance where Australian soldiers insisted on attacking without artillery support, believing machine-gun fire couldn't harm them. Haig's concerns extended to the potential influence of the Australians' casual attitude on the more docile British troops.
The Australian soldiers' approach to warfare was characterized by recklessness, ruthlessness, and a desire for revenge. They were known to explain the objectives and strategies of battles to their men, empowering them with knowledge. This was in contrast to the British Army's tendency to keep lower-ranking soldiers in the dark, treating them as "ignorant donkeys." Despite their lack of discipline, the Australians were effective in combat, as evidenced by their success in the Third Battle of Ypres in autumn 1917, where they met the Germans on high ground in front of Polygon Wood.
The Australians' independent thinking and casual attitude towards authority reflected the broader currents of Australian nationalism and values of resourcefulness, mateship, and egalitarianism. This national identity was shaped by experiences such as the Gallipoli Campaign, where Australians first entered the war, and the rising tensions in Europe that preceded the war. As a young nation, Australia was united in its sense of patriotism and loyalty to Britain, its former colonial ruler. However, as the war dragged on, the early enthusiasm faded, and enlistment numbers declined.
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Australians experienced the war through two languages of commemoration
Australians' initial perception of World War I was that of a just cause to defend Britain, with many believing the war would be over quickly and that soldiering would be a chance to see the world. However, as the war dragged on, the harsh reality of the conflict became evident, and the early enthusiasm waned. The experiences of Australian soldiers in the war were shaped by their unique brand of nationalism, which celebrated virtues of resourcefulness, mateship, and egalitarianism. This was reflected in their reputation for being reckless, ruthless, and revengeful on the battlefield, often refusing to blindly follow orders and instead insisting on understanding the objectives of their battles.
The language of commemoration surrounding World War I in Australia was dominated by the notion of sacrifice, with a focus on the contributions and losses of soldiers. This narrative, perpetuated by the press, centred on the idea that the soldiers' bravery and fortitude bequeathed a consciousness of national identity to the Australian people. Anzac Day parades became a key element of this commemorative language, with returned soldiers taking centre stage.
However, this language of commemoration has been critiqued for overshadowing the sacrifices made by those who stayed behind, particularly mothers who sent their sons to war. The advent of World War II further complicated the narrative, as the hopes for a lasting peace following World War I were dashed.
The Anzac legend, a central aspect of Australia's World War I commemoration, evolved over time. Initially, the defence of the British Empire was a key motivation, but this aspect diminished in importance in the post-war decades, with a shift towards celebrating the Anzac spirit and its reflection of the national character. This evolution demonstrates Australians' negotiation between the idealised memory of the war and the harsh realities experienced by those who fought and those who remained on the home front.
The unique Australian perspective on World War I, shaped by their nationalism and commemoration practices, offers a nuanced understanding of the conflict and its impact on the nation's identity.
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Australian women contributed to the war effort in various ways
Australian soldiers in World War I believed that the war would be over quickly and that they would get to see the world and make England proud of its colony. However, the cruel reality of the war soon set in, with mounting casualty rates and the harsh conditions of trench warfare taking a heavy toll on the Australian troops.
While Australian women were not permitted to fight in World War I, they contributed to the war effort in various other ways, both on the battlefield and at home. Here are some of the key ways in which Australian women played a vital role during the war:
Nursing and Medical Support
Australian women served as nurses and doctors, providing medical care to injured soldiers in war zones. Approximately 2,139 women served in the Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS), with some even paying their own way to serve or volunteering with other national military nursing services. These nurses often faced challenging and dangerous conditions, with some even receiving the Military Medal for bravery under fire. One notable Australian nurse, Ethel Gillingham, was a prisoner of war in Serbia before being released unharmed.
Voluntary Work and Fundraising
Women in Australia actively participated in voluntary and fundraising efforts to support the troops. They joined organisations such as the Australian Red Cross, the Australian Women's National League, the Women's Christian Temperance Union, and the Country Women's Association. They knitted clothing and packed parcels with cakes, magazines, medical supplies, and other comforts for the soldiers. They also wrote encouraging letters to the troops, providing emotional support and boosting morale.
Taking on Male-Dominant Roles
With many men enlisting, Australian women stepped up to take on traditionally male jobs, freeing up more men for military service. This expansion of women's roles during the war was limited, but it laid the groundwork for significant changes in the types of work women did after World War II.
Political and Propaganda Roles
Australian women were eligible to vote on the same terms as men, which was unique among combatant nations. This made their votes highly valued in the conscription debate, and they became targets and agents of propaganda in unprecedented ways. Tens of thousands of women mobilised in support of conscription, advocating compulsion where voluntarism had failed.
Overall, the contributions of Australian women during World War I were extensive and integral to the war effort, even though their roles and experiences were often overlooked in historical narratives that focused predominantly on the deeds of men.
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Frequently asked questions
Most Australians thought the war would be over quickly and that soldiering would be a chance to see the world and make England proud of her colony. However, as the war dragged on, the cruel reality of the war set in, and the number of men volunteering to serve fell steadily.
Australia, a young nation with a majority of citizens of English descent, willingly joined the war to aid the British Empire. Australian Prime Minister Joseph Cook reflected this sentiment in his statement: "Remember that when the Empire is at war, so is Australia at war...I want to make it quite clear that all our resources in Australia are in the Empire and for the Empire and for the preservation and security of the Empire."
Australian soldiers experienced intense combat, particularly on the Western Front, where they suffered heavy casualties. They were known for their recklessness, ruthlessness, and lack of discipline, which concerned high-ranking British officers. Australian troops also faced challenges such as the harsh conditions of trench warfare, as described in the writings of an Australian soldier.
