anzac day-aboriginal& torres Strait islander cross curriculum priority
The purpose of this page is to provide primary and secondary sources, to give students opportunities to see events through multiple perspectives, and to empathise and ethically consider the willingness of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to contribute to their country in times of war.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures crosscurriculum area encompasses the concepts of Country and Place, People, Culture and Identity. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture in Australia.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures crosscurriculum area encompasses the concepts of Country and Place, People, Culture and Identity. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture in Australia.
Please note:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images,
voices or names of deceased persons in photographs, film, audio recordings or printed material.
Some material may contain terms that reflect authors’ views, or those of the period in which the item was written or recorded, but may not be considered appropriate today. These views are not necessarily my views. While the information may not reflect current understanding, it is provided in an historical context.
voices or names of deceased persons in photographs, film, audio recordings or printed material.
Some material may contain terms that reflect authors’ views, or those of the period in which the item was written or recorded, but may not be considered appropriate today. These views are not necessarily my views. While the information may not reflect current understanding, it is provided in an historical context.
Humanities and Social Sciences
The diverse cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are explored through their:
The diverse cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are explored through their:
- long and continuous strong connections with Country/Place and their economic, cultural, spiritual and aesthetic value of place, including the idea of custodial responsibility. Students examine the influence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples on the environmental characteristics of Australian places, and the different ways in which places are represented.
- experiences before, during and after European colonisation including the nature of contact with other peoples, and their progress towards recognition and equality. In particular, students investigate the status and rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, past and present, including civic movements for change, the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to Australian society, and contemporary issues.
- exploration of how groups express their particular identities, and come to understand how group belonging influences perceptions of others.
ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
Part 1 -- Australia and New Zealand: the ANZAC connection
In 1917, the word ANZAC meant someone who fought at Gallipoli
and later it came to mean any Australian or New Zealander who fought or served
in the First World War.
Aboriginal Anzacs were present in every major conflict the AIF fought in Gallipoli,
the Western Front and the Middle East.
During the Second World War ANZAC Day became a day on which the
lives of all Australians lost in war time
were remembered.
"The spirit of ANZAC recognises the qualities of courage, mateship and sacrifice
which were demonstrated at the Gallipoli landing."
http://www.australia.gov.au/about-australia/australian-story/anzac-day
ANZAC Day now honours everyone who has been involved
in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
Part 1 -- Australia and New Zealand: the ANZAC connection
In 1917, the word ANZAC meant someone who fought at Gallipoli
and later it came to mean any Australian or New Zealander who fought or served
in the First World War.
Aboriginal Anzacs were present in every major conflict the AIF fought in Gallipoli,
the Western Front and the Middle East.
During the Second World War ANZAC Day became a day on which the
lives of all Australians lost in war time
were remembered.
"The spirit of ANZAC recognises the qualities of courage, mateship and sacrifice
which were demonstrated at the Gallipoli landing."
http://www.australia.gov.au/about-australia/australian-story/anzac-day
ANZAC Day now honours everyone who has been involved
in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
website list from anzac portal
primary sources
A Primary Source is evidence that was produced contemporaneous to the event being studied.
This can include newspaper articles, diaries, maps, drawings, journals, orders, reports,
instructions, photographs, film or physical objects/artefacts.
https://www.army.gov.au/our-history/primary-materials
This can include newspaper articles, diaries, maps, drawings, journals, orders, reports,
instructions, photographs, film or physical objects/artefacts.
https://www.army.gov.au/our-history/primary-materials
our indigenous anzacs
"Miller Mack, one of 1st Indigenous Australians to serve in WWI Indigenous Australiansnot allowed to sign up (they were not legally allowed to wear Australian military uniform until 1949, when they officially became citizens). At least 11 Aboriginal men were killed at Gallipoli and 21 survived the campaign. After the war, they mostly returned quietly to their communities, unable to benefit from assistance for veterans like the Soldier Settlement Scheme or pensions." http://sydneyflapper.tumblr.com/post/117282015206/miller-mack-one-of-the-first-indigenous |
"Aboriginal Platoon December 1940 Number 9 Camp, Wangaratta Indigenous Australians have served Australia in all major conflicts from the Boer War to the present.
This ANZAC Day we celebrate the courage, tenacity and resourcefulness of Indigenous Australians in the armed forces. We thank you for your service and sacrifice." BRYANT.ByDesign |
"The struggle for equality for Indigenous Australians was long and slow through the twentieth century, while thousands of Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders fought and many died for their country." Indigenous Veterans:Sites2See
Professor Mick Dodson AM is a member of the Yawuru peoples –
the traditional owners of land and waters in the Broome area of the
southern Kimberley region of Western Australia. He is Director of
the National Centre for Indigenous Studies at The Australian
National University and Professor of law at the ANU College of Law
In Repaying our debt to Aboriginal soldiers he wrote:
"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians were fighter pilots and infantry officers, they escaped from behind enemy lines, they manned the big guns, they watched our coasts. They were stockmen who mustered and killed cattle to feed troops and they were women who enlisted in the army, air-force and navy and served as nurses, communications experts, logistical support and many other crucial roles. They were also wives, mothers, aunts, nieces and sisters carrying the worry for those in combat abroad.
These men and women went to war on the reasonable assumption that when they returned the shackles of mission life and government control would be loosened, and the discrimination they faced in health care, education, employment and social welfare would be ended.
Those hopes were betrayed. And their patriotism went unrewarded.
Today many young Indigenous men and women proudly serve in the Australian Defence Forces as equals in almost every sense." Repaying our debt to Aboriginal soldiers
the traditional owners of land and waters in the Broome area of the
southern Kimberley region of Western Australia. He is Director of
the National Centre for Indigenous Studies at The Australian
National University and Professor of law at the ANU College of Law
In Repaying our debt to Aboriginal soldiers he wrote:
"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians were fighter pilots and infantry officers, they escaped from behind enemy lines, they manned the big guns, they watched our coasts. They were stockmen who mustered and killed cattle to feed troops and they were women who enlisted in the army, air-force and navy and served as nurses, communications experts, logistical support and many other crucial roles. They were also wives, mothers, aunts, nieces and sisters carrying the worry for those in combat abroad.
These men and women went to war on the reasonable assumption that when they returned the shackles of mission life and government control would be loosened, and the discrimination they faced in health care, education, employment and social welfare would be ended.
Those hopes were betrayed. And their patriotism went unrewarded.
Today many young Indigenous men and women proudly serve in the Australian Defence Forces as equals in almost every sense." Repaying our debt to Aboriginal soldiers
indigenous service
People profiles and biographies
To discover more about Australian military history which has featured many notable personalities click on the Indigenous service link above.
indigenous australian honour roll
"In recent years, long overdue recognition has been paid to Indigenous veterans.
The Headstone project, managed by an Aboriginal Vietnam War veteran,
aims to restore dignity to 400 ‘forgotten’ soldiers.
In Sydney, this ceremony (see photo) acknowledges the contribution of Australia’s Indigenous armed forces."
Indigenous Veterans:Sites2See
The Headstone project, managed by an Aboriginal Vietnam War veteran,
aims to restore dignity to 400 ‘forgotten’ soldiers.
In Sydney, this ceremony (see photo) acknowledges the contribution of Australia’s Indigenous armed forces."
Indigenous Veterans:Sites2See
ABORIGINAL WAR VETERANS NO LONGER FORGOTTEN
Acknowledging the role of Indigenous military service and comparing that with the treatment of Aboriginal peoples at home took a long time in Australia.
To celebrate ANZAC day and pay tribute to the Indigenous men & women that have proudly served this nation the Message Stick presents a twenty six minute documentary: The FORGOTTEN.
THE FORGOTTEN is a film about Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander servicemen & women who have served, fought and died for their country in all of the wars and peace-keeping missions that the Australian Armed Forces were involved in the 20th Century. It also contains a personal story about four Nyungar brothers from the South-West of Western Australia, one of whom is acknowledged as the first Aboriginal Soldier to receive a military medal in the First World War. http://www.abc.net.au/tv/messagestick/stories/s820390.htm
"While we are starting to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who fought as Black Diggers during World War I, what do we know of any Indigenous sailors?
Considering that many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders had a long tradition of working in maritime industries – from fishing in the early colony of New South Wales to voyagers such as Bungaree and his circumnavigation of the continent with Matthew Flinders in 1803, to whaling in the southern oceans and pearling in the north and west – it would be surprising if some Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders had not served in the navy before the sailors on HMAS Geranium in 1926"
War at Sea – The navy in WWI
Acknowledging the role of Indigenous military service and comparing that with the treatment of Aboriginal peoples at home took a long time in Australia.
To celebrate ANZAC day and pay tribute to the Indigenous men & women that have proudly served this nation the Message Stick presents a twenty six minute documentary: The FORGOTTEN.
THE FORGOTTEN is a film about Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander servicemen & women who have served, fought and died for their country in all of the wars and peace-keeping missions that the Australian Armed Forces were involved in the 20th Century. It also contains a personal story about four Nyungar brothers from the South-West of Western Australia, one of whom is acknowledged as the first Aboriginal Soldier to receive a military medal in the First World War. http://www.abc.net.au/tv/messagestick/stories/s820390.htm
"While we are starting to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who fought as Black Diggers during World War I, what do we know of any Indigenous sailors?
Considering that many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders had a long tradition of working in maritime industries – from fishing in the early colony of New South Wales to voyagers such as Bungaree and his circumnavigation of the continent with Matthew Flinders in 1803, to whaling in the southern oceans and pearling in the north and west – it would be surprising if some Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders had not served in the navy before the sailors on HMAS Geranium in 1926"
War at Sea – The navy in WWI
Seedie Boys on HMAS Pioneer circa 1916.
Seedie boys were so named because they were
subjects of the Sultan or Seyyid of Zanzibar. Australian War Memorial collection
Seedie boys were so named because they were
subjects of the Sultan or Seyyid of Zanzibar. Australian War Memorial collection
Black Sailors on HMAS Geranium in 1926. From an album compiled by crew member Petty Officer A A Smith.
National Library of Australia nla.pic-an23607993
National Library of Australia nla.pic-an23607993
Indigenous soldiers came from a section of society with few rights, low wages, and poor living conditions. Most Indigenous Australians could not vote and none were counted in the census. But once in the AIF, they were treated as equals. They were paid the same as other soldiers and generally accepted without prejudice.
Indigenous defence service
"Research conducted into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service in Australia’s armed forces has established that Indigenous people have served in military uniform from at least the time of Federation.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people served in practically all branches and units of the AIF: infantry, light horse, artillery, engineers, and even the flying corps (though not as airmen). They saw action in the Middle East as well as on the Western Front. Two Indigenous women served as army nurses. Alfred John Hearps from Tasmania briefly served as a second lieutenant until he was killed in 1916, making him probably the first commissioned officer of Aboriginal heritage."
Military historian Dr Chris Clark
Australian War Memorial / Via awm.gov.au
- An Aboriginal soldier (front row, centre) with fellow members of the 3rd Tunnelling Company, AIF, in France in 1917
"It's estimated that approximately 1,000 Indigenous soldiers fought in World War I.
This was at a time when Indigenous people weren’t even considered Australian citizens. They weren’t counted in the census and most couldn’t vote. When war broke out in 1914, many Indigenous Australians who tried to enlist in the armed forces were rejected because of their race. "
Powerful Photos of forgotten indigenous soldiers
The indigenous recruits came from a section of society with few rights, low wages, and poor living conditions. Most Indigenous Australians could not vote and none were counted in the census. But once in the AIF, they were treated as equals. They were paid the same as other soldiers and generally accepted without prejudice. https://www.awm.gov.au/encyclopedia/indigenous/
"Sometimes Indigenous men would be accepted by a recruiter only to be kicked out during military training. Despite the discrimination they faced, many Indigenous Australians were keen to enlist for the opportunities it presented.
"Private Douglas Grant (left) originally enlisted in the AIF in 1916,
but was discharged because he was Aboriginal.
He later successfully re-enlisted and was captured in France in 1917,
drawing the interest of German scientists and anthropologists as a prisoner of war.
He was a talented artist and admired by his fellow POWs for "his honesty, his
quick mind, and because he was so aggressively Australian."
They saw in it the chance for better wages and international travel and the ability to prove themselves and push for equality.
As part of the AIF, Aboriginal soldiers were indeed treated as equals for the first time."
Powerful photos of forgotten indigenous soldiers
Australian War Memorial / Via awm.gov.au
"Australia, Papua, and New Guinea had long attempted to keep Aboriginal peoples out of the armed forces altogether. With the threat of Japanese invasion, however, they began to bring Aboriginal peoples into the military as guerrilla patrollers, coast-watchers, and regular soldiers." Source: https://www.creativespirits.info/resources/books/history/defending-whose-country#ixzz4dc6AhFqM
Many thousands of Australian Aboriginals have enlisted and served in Australia’s defence forces since 1901, and several have won decorations, but the first to be promoted to a commissioned rank was Reg Saunders of Victoria.
Reginald Walter Saunders was born a member of the Gunditjmara people, just outside Framlingham Aboriginal Reserve in the western district of Victoria on 7 August 1920. His father, Chris Saunders, and uncle, William Reginald Rawlings, had served with the first AIF. Reg was named after his uncle, who served in the 29th Battalion and was awarded a Military Medal for “displaying rare bravery in the performance of his duty … his irresistible dash and courage set a wonderful example to the remainder of the team”. Reg grew to admire the military feats of both his father and uncle.
He was awarded an MBE in 1971, and was appointed to the Council of the Australian War Memorial in July 1985. Reg died on Friday 2 March 1991, aged 69.
Garth O'Connell https://www.awm.gov.au/blog/2009/02/13/reginald-saunders
Many thousands of Australian Aboriginals have enlisted and served in Australia’s defence forces since 1901, and several have won decorations, but the first to be promoted to a commissioned rank was Reg Saunders of Victoria.
Reginald Walter Saunders was born a member of the Gunditjmara people, just outside Framlingham Aboriginal Reserve in the western district of Victoria on 7 August 1920. His father, Chris Saunders, and uncle, William Reginald Rawlings, had served with the first AIF. Reg was named after his uncle, who served in the 29th Battalion and was awarded a Military Medal for “displaying rare bravery in the performance of his duty … his irresistible dash and courage set a wonderful example to the remainder of the team”. Reg grew to admire the military feats of both his father and uncle.
He was awarded an MBE in 1971, and was appointed to the Council of the Australian War Memorial in July 1985. Reg died on Friday 2 March 1991, aged 69.
Garth O'Connell https://www.awm.gov.au/blog/2009/02/13/reginald-saunders
Lt R. W. Saunders and Lt T. C. Derrick congratulate each other following their graduation from officer training school, Seymour, Victoria, November 1944.
I have taken a few main points from:
The story of William Charles Westbury Aboriginal Soldier, The Boer War and First World War
Visit the link above to find out more.
Members of the 10th Battalion waiting to embark on the transport ship Ionian for the Gallipoli Peninsula
The story of William Charles Westbury Aboriginal Soldier, The Boer War and First World War
Visit the link above to find out more.
Members of the 10th Battalion waiting to embark on the transport ship Ionian for the Gallipoli Peninsula
William was born in Mount Gambier, South Australia, in 1878. He was one of three children with his siblings John James A.I.F. 2206 and Sarah also in the family of James Westbury and Ellen Baker, with Ellen being of the local Boandik people. William was working as labourer in Pinnaroo prior to enlisting there 1914.
He enlisted in the AIF on 25th August 1914 and after his initial training, he was posted to the 10th Infantry Battalion, A Company. The 10th Battalion was among the first infantry units raised for the AIF during the First World War. The battalion was recruited in South Australia, and together with the 9th, 11th and 12th Battalions, formed the 3rd Brigade.
William’s active service in Dardanelles as with many others suffered with the harsh conditions, he was diagnosed with gastro-enteritis on five occasions and dysentery on two occasions, this cycle continued until the Australian withdrawal from Gallipoli in December 1915.
Afflicted by rheumatism, Westbury was returned to Australia on 10 May 1917 for home service and was discharged as being medically unfit with good conduct on 27 August 1917. He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British Service Medal, and the Victory Medal.
But an old war injury finally caught up with Westbury, who endured the agonies of a varicose ulcer on his left leg. Tetanus was the final straw, and on 20 February 1936 he died at the age of 58. He was buried at Pinnaroo, mourned by family and friends of Port MacDonnell.
Written by Michael Bell, in consultation with Ken Jones, grandson of William Charles Westbury.
https://www.awm.gov.au/blog/2017/03/30/421-william-charles-westbury-boer-war-and-world-war-1/
He enlisted in the AIF on 25th August 1914 and after his initial training, he was posted to the 10th Infantry Battalion, A Company. The 10th Battalion was among the first infantry units raised for the AIF during the First World War. The battalion was recruited in South Australia, and together with the 9th, 11th and 12th Battalions, formed the 3rd Brigade.
William’s active service in Dardanelles as with many others suffered with the harsh conditions, he was diagnosed with gastro-enteritis on five occasions and dysentery on two occasions, this cycle continued until the Australian withdrawal from Gallipoli in December 1915.
Afflicted by rheumatism, Westbury was returned to Australia on 10 May 1917 for home service and was discharged as being medically unfit with good conduct on 27 August 1917. He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British Service Medal, and the Victory Medal.
But an old war injury finally caught up with Westbury, who endured the agonies of a varicose ulcer on his left leg. Tetanus was the final straw, and on 20 February 1936 he died at the age of 58. He was buried at Pinnaroo, mourned by family and friends of Port MacDonnell.
Written by Michael Bell, in consultation with Ken Jones, grandson of William Charles Westbury.
https://www.awm.gov.au/blog/2017/03/30/421-william-charles-westbury-boer-war-and-world-war-1/
This graphic novel is the story of Reg Saunders, the first Indigenous Australian to serve as a commissioned officer in the army.
medals for bravery
The first official war medal, as we know them today, was the 1815 Waterloo Medal.
Find out more by clicking on the image or
https://anzacday.org.au/medals-tff and visit Medals & Awards
One of four Nyungar brothers from the South-West of Western Australia is acknowledged as the first Aboriginal Soldier to receive a military medal in the First World War.
Reg Saunders was awarded a Military Medal for “displaying rare bravery in the performance of his duty … his irresistible dash and courage set a wonderful example to the remainder of the team”. He was also awarded an MBE in 1971, and was appointed to the Council of the Australian War Memorial in July 1985
William Charles Westbury was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British Service Medal, and the Victory Medal.
Augustus Peg Farmer, Glamor Garr, Frederick Prentice and William Reginald Rawlings were awarded the Military Medal (MM.
William Irwin, Albert Knight and Harry Thorpe.were awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Reg Saunders was awarded a Military Medal for “displaying rare bravery in the performance of his duty … his irresistible dash and courage set a wonderful example to the remainder of the team”. He was also awarded an MBE in 1971, and was appointed to the Council of the Australian War Memorial in July 1985
William Charles Westbury was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British Service Medal, and the Victory Medal.
Augustus Peg Farmer, Glamor Garr, Frederick Prentice and William Reginald Rawlings were awarded the Military Medal (MM.
William Irwin, Albert Knight and Harry Thorpe.were awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Case studies exploring the ethnic diversity of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF
Links to the Australian curriculum: History
The content of these stories and classroom activities will provide opportunities to develop historical understanding through:
Key concepts
Sources and evidence, continuity and change, cause and effect, perspectives, empathy and significance, and contestability.
Cross-curriculum priorities
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures, Asia and Australia’s engagement with Asia.
General capabilities
Literacy, IT competence, critical and creative thinking, intercultural understanding.
While History is the main focus of the learning activities attached to these stories, they also have relevance to other curriculum areas, including English, Science, the Arts, and Civics and Citizenship.
The content of these stories and classroom activities will provide opportunities to develop historical understanding through:
Key concepts
Sources and evidence, continuity and change, cause and effect, perspectives, empathy and significance, and contestability.
Cross-curriculum priorities
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures, Asia and Australia’s engagement with Asia.
General capabilities
Literacy, IT competence, critical and creative thinking, intercultural understanding.
While History is the main focus of the learning activities attached to these stories, they also have relevance to other curriculum areas, including English, Science, the Arts, and Civics and Citizenship.
Students to investigate how technologies used in war have developed since WWI.
Further websites worth exploring:
http://www.abc.net.au/innovation/gallipoli/gallipoli2.htm
ABC Gallipoli Collection -Terrific Primary Source of information.
- Gallipoli and the Anzacs: www.anzacsite.gov.au
Australian War Memorial: www.awm.gov.au - Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs: www.dva.gov.au
- Australian Government 100 years of ANZAC: www.anzaccentenary.gov.au
- Royal Australian Air Force: www.airforce.gov.au
- Australian Institute of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders Reading List http://aiatsis.gov.au/collections/collections-online/digitised-collections/indigenous-australians-war/links/reading-list
The ANZACS, Australia's Heroes Safe Share link