Well, you know what they say about a good story and not letting the facts get in the way. People feel as strongly about their myths as they do about their religion. It's all part of the human condition ya know.

Nobody is denying the heroism and sacrifice ... on both sides. My overall view is one of sadness and compassion, and I would never presume to sit in judgment from the comfort of my armchair. IMO, a nation can never do enough for its service men and women.

That said, let's re-examine the Gallipoli landings from the Royal Navy's perspective. What if they have been unjustly blamed for the debacle for the past century? And remember, the British have an Official Secrets Act that keeps their dirty laundry out of sight for 100 years. I think there will be many more unpalatable revelations in the near future.

Here's an unpleasant story that was aired a few years ago:

New book uncovers dark episode at Beersheba:
www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2009/s2639208.htm

"KERRY O'BRIEN, PRESENTER: The charge of the Australian Light Horse at Beersheba, in what is now part of Israel, was a major strategic victory in the First World War. The battle, on 31st October, 1917, forced the Turkish army to retreat and opened the way for the fall of Jerusalem. But there was no war correspondent in Beersheba. And it has never become part of the national mythology like Gallipoli or the Somme.

A new book or Beersheba asks why Australia's victory in such a crucial campaign has been largely forgotten. Could it be because of a dark episode uncovered by author Paul Daley that sits starkly at odds with the broader ANZAC legend."