Dr Pratt was introduced by David Rush, and he started his talk by congratulating the Club on their inspirational place-mats, photos taken by Anne Scott on a visit to Gallipoli. 

He then gave an overview of Australia in 1914: a stable democracy with steady economic growth, but perhaps still a British outpost.  A brief description of family life was followed by an analysis of defence numbers. He considered that Europe blundered into World War 1, with Britain assisting Russia’s defence against Germany and Turkey, despite division in the British War Council. 

Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in June 2014: as heir-apparent to the Austrian throne, he was seen as a  perceived threat to Serbian independence.

Once Britain was at war, the Empire, including Australia was involved. Troops intended for Flanders were sent to Gallipoli, in an operation that was cobbled together in a few weeks. It was always a sideshow of the main game, with the Turks aware of the impending landing of troops with poor intelligence and maps, and scant understanding of the terrain. 

Dr Pratt described several blunders in the choice of a landing place and the lack of drinking water and supplies. The lack of maps and any understanding of the harsh terrain led to the loss of many lives and the brilliant withdrawal of 41,000 troops. 

After describing the legacy of Gallipoli, he touched on the battles of Fromelles and Pozieres on the Somme before moving on to post-war Australia, the welcome home for the troops, and there enduring nature of the ANZAC legend. 

As time caught up on his talk, he finished with a photo of residents of Villers-Bretonneux taking part in a march to support Australian communities affected by bushfires. 

David Rush thanked Dr Pratt, acknowledging that we could hear more of his talks at U3A Hawthorn

Dr Graham Pratt ’s career started as a cadet cartographer and then he joined the army in 1957.  He was commissioned as a lieutenant serving as a specialist officer, served in Vietnam and retired in 1987 as lieutenant colonel. He has an honours degree in commerce and a Ph D. He has lectured at RMIT as an associate professor, published in local and international journals and in retirement has pursued his interest as a military historian.