Anzac Day: Remembering the futility of wars for empire!
Anzac Day is sold as remembrance. But for many on the Left, it should also be a warning — about empire, class sacrifice and the brutal cost of war fought for other people’s power.
Anzac Day is important to remember because of the utter futility of being part of an imperialist military alliance.
New Zealand casualties in that war, killed or wounded, were 58%. That is equal to one-quarter of the adult male population. Our death rate of those who served at 16.6% was higher than that suffered by Germany!
The staggering human cost New Zealand paid
“The total number of New Zealand troops and nurses to serve overseas in 1914–18, excluding those in British and other Dominion forces, was 100,444, from a population of just over a million. Forty-two percent of men of military age served in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, fighting in the Gallipoli Campaign and on the Western Front. 16,697 New Zealanders were killed and 41,317 were wounded during the war – a 58% casualty rate.”
Although numbers are difficult to estimate accurately the German losses are thought to be around 13% of those who served. (see War Losses Germany)
This was because of the utter contempt that the British Empire’s officer corps (drawn largely from the more stupid sons of the aristocracy) had for their own working-class and peasant troops.
Captured officers from the other side were treated in a far superior manner than those of their own troops.
This war was strongly opposed by the fledgling Labour Party in New Zealand and some of its leaders were expelled from parliament and went to prison for their stand.
Remember the dead — and the system that sent them
The British Empire was a horrific colonial enslaver of hundreds of millions of human beings. Millions died as a direct consequence of their rule. (See “Five of the Worst Atrocities carried out by the British Empire“)
There is nothing in that history that needs to be celebrated.
What we should be celebrating is the heroic stand of the labour movement at that time. (See Voices Against War)
Excellent piece. I do wonder how many would put their hand up these days if there were conscription in Aotearoa. I do think that more people now realise the futility of being sent off to war. Fighting for the capitalism system for who the ruling class. Those who send people off to war do not of course do it themselves.
I don’t attend ANZAC parades but I do wonder at their increasing attendance and significance for our nation. We seem to require a national mythology of joint sacrifice and purpose, regardless of the cause we supported. It is heartening that we remember all of our people’s equally, as a single people. Long may that last.
My Great Uncle was only 21 years old when he was killed in action in Galipoli in 1915 Turks as young as 14 were trying to prevent an invasion of thier homeland .Arrogant Bristish officers used to try to toughen up colonial troops ie ANZACs by getting thrm to do bayonet charges against machine guns I am grateful to the Turkish people for looking after the graves of our war dead However in GAZA Israel has damaged and occupied the graves of 100 ANZACs including 22 New Zealanders and two from the cook Islands. Without a whimper from Peters and Luxon While a famine starts again in Gaza while Israel blockades all food and medical supplies from entering Gaza
I’ve been a regular at the Anzac Day remembrances out of respect to my 95 yr old mother in law who lost her husband at Casino, evidently the day the war ended. It’s not my cup of tea but I bite my tongue. During the proceedings I often find myself reflecting on what an imposter I am, being there listening to the narrative, the myth being perpetuated. I am genuinely sad. So many gone in a conflict not of their own making. Blind to the inevitable outcomes. What struck me this time – although a feature every Anzac Day – was the overt religious element. Hymns, prayers, references to Biblical events. I couldn’t help thinking, what’s God got to do with it?
British Army officers died at a higher rate than the men they led in WW1. sons of the aristocracy even more so. Death didn’t discriminate when it came to class in WW1 but I guess that doesn’t suit your agenda, go f*ck yourself
It is a fact that casualties amongst British junior officers were higher than the men they led into battle and these were also the sons of senior officers – a lot of misinformation in this post.
“British junior officers (Lieutenants and Second Lieutenants) in WWI faced a higher fatality rate—roughly 17% compared to 12% for ordinary soldiers—due to their role leading charges. Their life expectancy on the Western Front was very low, sometimes estimated at just 6 weeks, as they were required to be first over the top”.
The 2 World Wars were for different reasons .The 1 st War was a war of imperial positioning and a pointless lose of lives.
The 2 ND World War was to stop a system that would have taken the World into a very dark and dangerous place especially for minority groups . Both Germany and Japan want dominance and all those involved in the effort to stop them deserve the honors bestowed on them .
Yes, you are correct Trevor. WW1 a sensless bloodbath in the name of imperialism. Least we forget. WW2 a global battle on multiple fronts to defeat evil, but also to perpetuate a system that benefited the victorious. Nothing new really.
What do we make of Vietnam? Indonesia? Afghanistan? In whose interests? And is it appropriate that Anzac Day recognises all conflicts where Aussies and Kiwis have fought?
100%, Mike Treen.