The Other ANZACs

The Other ANZACs chronicles the experiences of Australian and New Zealand nurses who served overseas during World War I. The book follows these women as they work through the harsh conditions of Gallipoli and the Western Front, documenting their crucial role in military medical care. Peter Rees draws from letters, diaries, and official records to reconstruct the daily lives and challenges of these wartime nurses. The narrative covers major events including the Gallipoli campaign and the sinking of the Marquette, while examining the broader context of military nursing during the Great War. The book became the foundation for the 2014 ABC television series ANZAC Girls, and was later republished under that title. It earned critical acclaim and was shortlisted for the 2009 ACT Book of the Year. This historical account highlights themes of courage, professional dedication, and the often-overlooked contribution of women to the ANZAC military tradition. It presents an essential perspective on World War I through the experiences of medical personnel rather than combat soldiers.

Readers highlight the detailed research and personal stories that bring to life the experiences of Australian and New Zealand nurses during WWI. Many note how the book reveals an overlooked aspect of ANZAC history through diaries, letters, and firsthand accounts. Liked: - Documentation of specific hospitals, medical procedures, and conditions - Inclusion of photographs and personal correspondence - Focus on individual nurses' stories and their relationships - Coverage of both battlefield and hospital ship experiences Disliked: - Some found the writing style dry and academic - Multiple readers noted difficulty keeping track of the many nurses profiled - Several mentioned wanting more details about the nurses' lives after the war Ratings: Goodreads: 4.05/5 (537 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (98 ratings) Reader quote: "Finally these brave women get their due. The personal accounts make you feel like you're right there with them." - Goodreads reviewer

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🔹 Over 3,000 Australian and New Zealand nurses served overseas during WWI, with 45 losing their lives while on active service. 🔹 These ANZAC nurses were the only women officially allowed near the front lines during WWI, working within 2 kilometers of the fighting at times. 🔹 The book was later adapted into a television series called "ANZAC Girls" which aired on ABC in 2014, bringing these nurses' stories to a wider audience. 🔹 Many of the nurses contracted serious illnesses themselves while serving, including malaria, dysentery, and the Spanish flu, yet continued their duties while sick. 🔹 Prior to writing this book, Peter Rees spent over 40 years as a journalist, and went through thousands of letters, diaries, and photographs to accurately tell these nurses' stories.