Anzac Biscuits

Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that recognises all New Zealanders and Australians who have served during wars, conflict and peacekeeping operations. Anzac Day originally honoured those who served in the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs) and fought at Gallipoli during World War I.

The Anzac Biscuit has long been attached to Anzac Day and is seen as a symbol of national identity in both New Zealand and Australia.

But there is much debate over the origins of the biscuits and whether they were eaten by soldiers during the First World War.

In her book Anzac Biscuits: the power and spirit of an everyday national icon, Allison Reynolds reviewed research into the history of Anzac biscuits.

In 1999 University of Otago Emeritus Professor Helen Leach asserted that there was 'no evidence' that Anzac biscuits were included in parcels sent to soldiers in World War I. Australian food historian Barbara Santich agrees with this writing 'there is no evidence that Australian women packed tins of homemade biscuits and dispatched them off to loved ones in the trenches.'

Dr Sian Supski on the other hand argues that it seems likely that a biscuit resembling an Anzac biscuit was sent. Supski references The Australian Comforts Fund, which requested that biscuits and cakes be packed in sealed tins.

In 1994 the New Zealand Listener shared an anecdote that a reader's mother remembered helping her own mother pack Anzac biscuits into large golden syrup tins during World War I to send to the front.

The New Zealand National Army Museum argues that Anzac biscuits being sent to the troops is a myth but does acknowledge that there is some evidence that a rolled oats biscuit was sent to troops on the Western Front but this 'was not widespread'.

Reynolds was unable to determine a definitive answer. She was also unable to determine when the name Anzac biscuit came into place despite extensive research. Reynolds asserts that not long after the 1915 Gallipoli campaign foods such as biscuits, cakes, and puddings had patriotic terms like Anzac or Gallipoli in them.

It is agreed that Anzac biscuits were largely sold at public events to raise funds to support the war effort. Today Anzac biscuits are still used as a fundraising effort for both Royal New Zealand Returned Services' Association (RSA) and the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL).

Below are some Anzac biscuit recipes from the 1930s and a modern recipe to try yourself!

Anzac Biscuit recipe, Patea Mail, 20 October 1930. Courtesy of Papers Past. Note the spelling of coconut.

Anzac Biscuit recipe, Northern Advocate, 4 July 1939. Courtesy of Papers Past.

Simple modern Anzac Biscuit recipe

Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats
1 cup desiccated coconut
1 cup flour
1 cup sugar
125 g butter
2 Tbsp golden syrup
1 tsp baking soda
2 Tbsp boiling water

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan bake). Lightly grease 1-2 baking trays or line with baking paper.

2. In a large bowl, sift the flour. Stir in the rolled oats, coconut and sugar to combine. Make a well in the centre.

3. In a saucepan, melt the butter and golden syrup together.

4. Dissolve the baking soda in boiling water and then add to butter mixture.

5. Pour the butter mixture into the dry ingredient and mix to combine.

6. Roll spoonfuls of the mixture into balls and place on the oven tray, allowing enough room for biscuits to spread while cooking. Press biscuits down lightly with a fork.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 - 15 minutes, cooking one tray at a time. Remove to a wire rack to cool, and enjoy!

This recipe is simple because for the dry ingredients it follows the one cup rule - 1 cup rolled oats, one cup desiccated coconut, 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar. You may wish to get creative and add other ingredients, such as vanilla essence, almonds, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, dried fruits (sultanas, cranberries etc).

This blog was written by Graeme. Thanks to Papers Past, The New Zealand Army Museum, Anzac Biscuits: the power and spirit of an everyday national icon by Allison Reynolds. Anzac Biscuit photographs taken by Graeme Cash.

Book Reviews for new & related to World War 1 items

Kiwis at War series: This series of Teen books, written by popular New Zealand authors, gives a fictionalised overview of the First World War and the involvement in all aspects of it by Kiwis. Although each book is written by a separate author, characters slip seamlessly between the different books, bringing the characters to life. Don’t let the Teen label put you off – these are a great read!

1914: Riding into war by Susan Brocker, follows Billy and his best mate Jack as they join the Mounted Rifles Regiment along with their horses. The story begins with the difficulties encountered in keeping their horses alive and healthy during the sea voyage from New Zealand to Egypt, and then the eventual move minus their horses to Gallipoli.

1915: Wounds of war by Diana Menefy, is the story of Mel and her cousin Harriet, who join the NZ Army Nursing Corps. They set sail for Egypt then serve on Hospital ships involved in caring for wounded soldiers from Gallipoli. Letters flow between home and the ships, nurses on the different ships, giving insights into conditions, workloads and even shore leave.

1916: Dig for victory by David Hair. When Leith from Otago learns that the Mounted Rifles are to be combined with the Maori soldiers into the New Zealand Pioneer Battalion, he’s not happy, especially as they’re to be digging trenches! As well as dealing with a bullying Sergeant, Leith becomes friends with a young Maori soldier, Tamati, and we get to meet some famous names. Together they deal with the dangers and horrors of building trenches in France, and then with a treasonous officer.

1917: Machines of war by Brian Falkner. New Zealander Bob Sunday's story opens in La Bellevue, France, where he is bring driven to the RAF aerodrome to begin his posting as an observer/gunner. Disturbed by a strange throbbing sound, he and his fellow recruit realise German bombers are headed to the aerodrome. The story unfolds, revealing life as part of a flying squadron, where young men fought in the air, often with a short flying career.   

1918: Broken poppies by Des Hunt. Henry Hunt, a Kiwi soldier is close to enemy lines in the trenches on the battlefields of France. When he rescues a little terrier dog, Henry faces a disciplinary hearing. To his relief, Poppy is allowed to stay, for along with comfort for the soldiers (and a belief in their safety while with them), she’s a good ratter and hunter.  Once again, we are exposed to descriptions and emotions of a hellish time where many were broken.

An ANZAC in the family: Private McAlpine of the 4th reinforcements by Sherryl Abarahart 940.412 MCA, Reference only

Expat New Zealander Sherryl Abrahart has extensively researched the story of her uncle Private Leslie McAlpine, who served in the 4^th reinforcements during the First World War. He survived the battlefields of Gallipoli and the sinking of the Marquette, but was tragically killed in action on the Western Front on the 8th July 1916, aged 19. He is buried at Cite Bonjean Cemetery, just outside of Armentieres.

The softcover book also features over 60 black and white photographs, as well as maps, digitised newspapers clippings, military records and other ephemera from the time.  

Listener, 10 November 2018

An article on page 28 mentions lack of understanding for medical personnel on their return to New Zealand and the ignorant attitudes of the public to their work as stretcher bearers.

Closer to home, on page 35, there is a fascinating article by Sally Blundell concerning a young Te Arawa soldier, Winiata Rewi Taphiana (Tapsell), and his part at Le Quesnoy, the place of New Zealand's famous victory.

Other recommended World War One titles

Broken branches: New Zealand families who lost three or more children in the Great War by Josh Scadden 940.467 SCA, DSR Reference only

The Bulford Kiwi: the kiwi we left behind by Colleen Brown 940.393 BRO, NZ Lending

Facing the front: New Zealand’s enduring first World War by Gavin McLean 940.393 McL, NZ Lending

Gallipoli to the Somme: recollections of a NZ infantryman by A Aitken 940.48193 AIT, NZ Lending

HMAS A.E.I’s Kiwi soldier: John Reardon – one of the first 2 New Zealanders to become submariners in 1914 by Gerry Wright 359.93 REA, DSR Reference only

Heroes of Gallipoli: gallantry of New Zealanders on Gallipoli by Richard Stowers 940.426 STO, DSR Reference only

Jack's journey: a soldier's experience of the First World War by Jack Pryce 940.48193 PRY, Lending

Make her praises heard afar: New Zealand women overseas in WWI by Anne Tolerton 940.3 TOL, NZ Lending and DSR Reference

New Zealand Methodist Chaplains and Ministers at war: the First World War through their eyes by Allan K. Davidson 940.478 DAV, NZ Lending

100 years New Zealand Military Nursing: New Zealand Nursing Service - Royal New Zealand Nursing Corps, 1915-2015 by Sherayl McNabb 940.475 McN, NZ Lending and DSR Reference

Recovery: Women's Overseas Service in World War 1 by Kay Morris Matthews 940.3082 MOR, NZ Lending and  DSR Reference

The Western Front: a guide to New Zealand battlefields and memorials by Ian McGibbon 940.427 McG, Genealogy Reference only

War quilts

Anzac quilts

Te Aka Mauri is fortunate to have been lent 2 quilts made by Tracey Shepherd to commemorate the end of the First World War.

The first of these is titled Toward the Light. ..When you study this quilt you can see at the bottom the blood stained, barbed wired waters and beach. This was created by dyeing the fabric. The dull colours speak of the war-scarred ground, burnt out trees are visible. Parts of this quilt are created using old war uniforms. You can see a pocket with the blood-stained lace of his wife/sweethearts handkerchief which he carried close to his heart to remind him of home. The fabrics lighten as they rise to softer browns, and pale greens. Eventually fields of poppies, under which so many lay, appear, followed by the blue yet stormy looking sky, symbolising the end of the conflict and beginning of peace. 

The second quilt, Forgotten Son, is more personal. In the upper half of the quilt is a fabric photograph of Jesse Rogers, the great uncle from Oamaru who headed off to WW1.  Again, the colours of the ground hold images of conflict along with scattered poppies. Again, pieces of army uniforms and lace are used. To the right is Jesse’s oak tree. Jesse was killed 3 months before the end of the war and is buried in France. The town of Oamaru planted an oak for each of the local soldiers who perished in WW1. Underneath each tree is a cross with the soldier’s name. 

These quilts will are on display on the 2^nd floor of Te Aka Mauri, near the Discovery Space/ Heritage and Research area for the month of November. Please come and view the quilts and other items, such as old newspapers announcing Armistice, that are also on display.

Thanks to Tracey Shepherd for lending the quilts for display. This post is by Trish.

Anzac Day 2015

Lest we Forget 

"Significance of Anzac Day" from www.anzac.govt.nz

"On 25 April 1915, eight months into the First World War, Allied soldiers landed on the shores of Gallipoli peninsula. This was Turkish territory that formed part of Germany's ally, the Ottoman Empire.

The Allied forces encountered unexpectedly strong resistance from the Turks, and both sides suffered enormous loss of life.

The anniversary of the first day of conflict, does not mark a military triumph, however it does remind us of a very important episode in New Zealand history..." 

New Zealand lost 2779 men and some 4852 were wounded, a terrible loss for Kiwi families that continues to impact on them to this day. Rotorua alone lost over 100 men.  

To commemorate the 100th Anniversary of WW1, 25 April 2015: 
The Poppy Project done by knitters nationwide was also entered by the Rotorua Yarn Bombers and anyone who wanted to knit a poppy.  These are just two of the poppy installations in Fenton Street. 

For more installations check out Government Gardens and the Rotorua Museum.


Rotorua's WWOne Memorial in the Government Gardens you can see this memorial near the Croquet Pavilion.  
There are other memorials to our soldiers in Rotorua, there is one at the entrance to Whakarewarewa Village the "Te Hokowhitu a Tu" Memorial Arch commemorates soldiers of Tuhourangi who died in the two World Wars, opened 22 April 1950. 

This memorial is at the entrance to Whakarewarewa Village,
This image was copied from Facebook page "You know your'e from Rotorua when..." 

Title: Gallipoli 
Artist: Logan Okiwi Shipgood 
Medium: Oamaru Stone 
This is the image I left Gallipoli with … 
A battle weary soldier, a shell-shocked survivor contemplating what it was all for. 

We didn’t succeed, yet we lost so many mates in the process. 8,000 Aus-sies, 2,000 kiwis, 25,000 Britts – and not to mention 70,000 of the enemy who on any other given day we could have shared a beer together. 

See also my previous blog ww1-we-will-remember-them.html