PDF (Whole Thesis) - USQ ePrints - University of Southern ...

Source 5.5. Extract on topic of Gallipoli from New syllabus history for seventh
grade. (Dunlop & Palfrey, 1932a, p. 115)
Here, due to participating in WWI, alongside Great Britain (and New Zealand), Australia is
legitimized as an independent nation, with a day for commemoration declared as a
consequence of arriving at “...Gallipoli under a storm of shot and shell they established for
themselves a reputation for valour, sustained and made imperishable by later deeds in
France, Syria, and Palestine” (Dunlop & Palfrey, 1932a, p. 115, emphasis added). The
perspective here is that it is through military deeds that nationhood and pride is established.
Although not articulated overtly, use of the word valour and accompanying poem at the end
of the narrative legitimize this nationhood. However, it is still part of Great Britain, with the
textbook finishing the narrative of Gallipoli with:
The 25 th of April is Anzac Day. On this day in the Commonwealth and the Dominion
of New Zealand we pay homage to our heroic dead, who went forth voluntarily to
save our hearths and homes and the free institutions of the British Empire.
“On Fame’s eternal camping ground
Their silent tents are spread,
And Glory guards with solemn round
The bivouac of the dead. (Dunlop & Palfrey, 1932a, p. 115)
Overall, a very unemotional account of WWI is provided. Considering this was the largest
and bloodiest conflict ever experienced anywhere in the world, and involved a significant
portion of the world’s population, it is surprising the ‘factual’ and non emotive way this
conflict is reported in the textbook. This does not connect with socio-political discourses
173