"The Anzac spirit was born at Gallipoli in 1915. Since then it has been demonstrated not only by Australians in war but also by those whose contribution has been in other fields." .
The Anzac legend, which was the result of a devastating loss, rather than a great victory, has had, and continues to have a significant impact on Australia's identity. The Australian and New Zealand soldiers demonstrated the spirit of mateship, courage, loyalty, bravery, sacrifice, heroism, dedication, honour, integrity, initiative and determination throughout the Gallipoli campaign as they battled against daunting odds. These traits have come to represent the Anzac legend, which is evident in Australia today be it in war, conflict or peacetime.
The Anzac spirit was displayed daily through the eight month conflict at Gallipoli. From the moment the Australian and New Zealand troops landed at Anzac cove the spirit of courage, loyalty, bravery, initiative, sacrifice and mateship was evident. Everyday the soldiers faced new battles. Not only battles fought with bullets, but also battles of extreme heat in summer, freezing cold in winter, fleas, flies, lice and disease. The Anzac spirit therefore became part of every Anzac soldier. .
The traits of an Anzac became more and more important as the battle hopefully claim Constantinople continued. Every action was an act of bravery and the soldiers accepted the need to undertake their duties despite fears of death. Courage became crucial for survival, for even the simple but necessary job of obtaining water endangered a soldier's life. Soldier's also required great determination to fight each day and if wounded the determination to endure the limited medical supplies and treatment to continue fighting. An Anzac soldier was willing to sacrifice his life for others and for his country, he showed initiative - troops turned empty food cans into periscopes to spy on the enemy trenches and made makeshift bombs from cans, nails and other sharp objects.
