Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a long and proud history of military service, dating back to the 1860s. Despite facing discrimination and exclusion, many Indigenous Australians answered the call to defend their country, hiding their racial identity to enlist in the Australian Defence Force. Over 1,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders served in the First World War, with at least 70 stationed on the front lines at Gallipoli.
Indigenous servicemen and women were motivated by a complex mix of factors, including propaganda, the desire for adventure, and a deep love for their country. They served on the ground, in the air, and on the sea, making significant contributions to the war effort.
However, once the war ended, Indigenous soldiers returned to as much discrimination (if not more) than before it began. They were denied the recognition and support schemes provided to their non-Indigenous comrades, and their wartime service was largely forgotten.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to acknowledge and honor the contributions of Indigenous servicemen and women. Documentaries, short films, and other media projects are bringing their stories to light. These projects are essential for ensuring that the full history of Australia’s involvement in the First World War is told, and that the Indigenous Australians who served are finally given the recognition they deserve.
The stories of Indigenous Anzac soldiers are stories of courage, sacrifice, and resilience. They are stories that should be told and retold, lest we forget the debt we owe to these brave men and women.
