Anzac Day 2019

Overview

The legend of the Anzacs is still very much alive today in Australia, as evidenced by the important national status given to Anzac Day, held annually on 25 April. This date marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War – the landing at Gallipoli and the attempted capture of Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey), which took eight months and cost more than 8,100 Australian lives. Although a failure in military terms, what emerged was the concept of the “Anzac spirit”, which many argue helped to shape Australia’s emerging national identity.

Anzac Day 1919 was the first to be commemorated following the World War I Armistice of 1918. Continued were the patriotic traditions that began at the inaugural Anzac Day of 1916, such as services and parades, but there was also a sombre tone, in remembrance of those who would never return from the battlefields.

In London, Anzac Day 1919 became a triumphant farewell for the Australian and New Zealand troops. Five thousand troops, representing all arms of the Australian Imperial Force, marched from the Mall to Bunhill Fields, passing Australia House, where the Prince of Wales took the salute. There was also an aerial display over London conducted by officers of the Australian Flying Corps and an official reception in the evening.

“Peace” was a major theme of the year 1919. The official WWI peace treaties were signed on 28 June 1919, after the famous peace conference held at Versailles, France. For the allies, the treaty meant the start of official peace celebrations, most notably Peace Day, which occurred on Saturday 19 July 1919 and featured celebratory parades throughout the British Empire (though also some rioting from returned servicemen unhappy with their conditions). Every child in Australia aged up to 14 years of age (and up to 16, where parents were in the armed forces) was also presented with the School Children’s Peace Medal which included the phrase “the triumph of liberty and justice”.

The stamps

Designed by Lynette Traynor of the Australia Post Design Studio, this stamp issue presents covers of two historical souvenir programs from 1919 Anzac Day events. The programs recognise the relevance of “peace” in Anzac Day commemorations that year, both in Australia and overseas.

Technical specifications