Summary

The name Anzac is based on the initials of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, and although there are several versions of its specific origin, it appears to have emerged by being shortened to A & N.Z.A.C., which then became Anzac for clerical convenience when a code name was needed for the corps. Though it was in general use in 1915 when the corps was stationed in Cairo, it came into wider use after the landing at Gallipoli. A few days after the landing, the name Anzac Cove was bestowed on the cove where the troops landed.

During World War 1, Australian and New Zealand troops became known as Anzacs. The name has been perpetuated by the setting aside of April 25th each year, both in Australia and New Zealand, as a Day of Remembrance. By legislation, the name is protected (Defence Regulations Act, 1921) and neither it, nor any word resembling it, may be used as a title, or commercially, except by permission of the Governor-General.

The following commemorative documents were presented to the Special Collections Archives by Mr R. Mays who served in the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. They concern the commemoration of ANZAC Day in Townsville.