ANZAC100: Remembering Australian-Asian Service Men and Women and our Indo-Pacific allies
Between 2014 and 2018, Australia will celebrate the Anzac Centenary, which marks 100 years since Australia’s involvement in the First World War. To celebrate the Centenary, Asia Society Australia showcases the stories of Australian-Asian ANZACs and our allies in the Indo-Pacific who fought alongside Australian troops.
The story of Billy Sing
Billy Sing, Australian War Memorial P03633.006
Chinese Australians made significant contributions during the most of the wars which involved Australians - Boer War, the First World War, the Second World War, Malaya conflict, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Despite the efforts of recruitment offices to deny entry into the army to non-white Australians, Australian Chinese were so determined to play their part that they often had to lie about their ethnicity and age.
One of the most fascinating accounts of Australian-Chinese ANZACs is the story of Billy Sing. William Edward 'Billy' Sing, 2 March 1886 – 19 May 1943 was a Chinese Australian soldier who served in the Australian Imperial Force during World War I. He was a sniper during the Gallipoli Campaign and became a legendary figure in ANZAC’s historiography and folklore. Billy Sing is a subject of a biography by John Hamilton, Gallipoli Sniper: The life of Billy Sing, published in 2008.
See also:
Anzac 100: Sniper duel between Australia's Billy Sing and 'Abdul the Terrible (Sydney Morning Herald)
Chinese Museum exhibition: Chinese Anzacs: Chinese Australians and World War One
Speech: “Australian Chinese Service Men and Women” - Address to the NSW Parliament by Virginia Judge, Anthony Roberts, Paul Lynch and Tanya Gadiel
John Hamilton: Gallipoli Sniper: The Life of Billy Sing
Bearded, turbaned war heroes
Sikh soldiers in Turkey during the First World War/SBS
Thousands of Indian troops, particularly Sikhs fought alongside the ANZACs in the First World War. For example, at Gallipoli, the 14th Sikh Regiment suffered one of the highest casualty rate of any force during the campaign, with only 4 survivors.
One of the leading scholars on the subject, Professor Peter Stanley from the University of New South Wales, argues that the Indian involvement in the Gallipoli campaign has been forgotten or neglected. Yet, the letters sent by Australians soldiers confirm the highest regard for the courage and professionalism of their Indian mates.
The Sydney Mail in 1916 published a photo by one of the Anzacs with his Indian comrade, titled “Best Chums”. Professor Stanly traces the origins of the friendship between Indians and Australians to Gallipoli.
Cover image of 'Die in Battle, Do not despair: The Indians on Gallipoli, 1915' by Peter Stanley/Helion & Company
See also:
LISTEN: Professor Peter Stanley on Indian troops in Gallipoli (SBS Radio Punjabi)
ABC: Remembering Australia's bearded, turbaned war heroes