Australia at War 1914-1918

1967, 63 Minutes. Exempt from classification.

A detailed account of 'the war to end all wars'.

For Australia, World War One was a social crisis as well as a military one. For the first time Australians were required to fight on behalf of their own country. This film, a reasoned appraisal of Australia’s part in the First World War, also examines the effects of the war on Australia’s national psyche. Making use of rare footage, it follows campaigns all over the world. There is extensive footage showing the horror of French trench warfare, extracts from the single reel of film shot at Gallipoli and scenes of such colourful personalities as Baron Manfred von Richthofen and the legendary Lawrence of Arabia.

Commencing with the troops leaving Australia, the film traces the events of all major battles in which Australians were involved, including Egypt, Gallipoli, the Battle of the Somme and Cambria. The film also shows different methods of warfare from artillery to camel corps, and how the technology of warfare advanced: balloons, the debut of tanks and the increasing use of aircraft as a tool of war. Finally, it shows the peace celebrations and the long journey home for the diggers.

Leaving little to the imagination, this film is an accurate, authentic, on-the-spot portrayal of the war.

© 2011 National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.