Spirit Of ANZAC Essay Wins George V. Smith Award in 2021

 

Joseph Chen receives the George V. Smith Award
from Wesley's Head of Campus Sheriden Vella

If you thought Australia’s involvement in WW1 was all about Gallipoli then reading the winning essay in this year’s George V.Smith Award at Wesley College might be a very worthwhile activity. 

The George V. Smith Award is an award made in the name of Odd Bod co-founder and long time official, George Smith, who championed a relationship with Wesley College, Glen Waverley Campus from 2008. The award is made for the best student essay about the ANZAC Spirit and is a key part of the strong and productive connection between Wesley and Friends of the Odd Bods Association. 

This year’s essay by Year 9 student, Joseph Chen, focuses on a WW1 battle to capture Mont St Quentin and P’eronne on the Western Front near the River Somme. 

Australian War Memorial located in
Mont Saint-Quentin region 

Joseph writes that the Australian forces, commanded by General Sir John Monash, displayed the ANZAC spirit in a number of ways – “While these ANZAC qualities are certainly not the only reason for the success of the battles, they definitely contributed significantly. Through the initiative, flexibility, adaptability, courage, bravery, mateship, brotherhood and humour demonstrated, these Australians were able to raise their morale and support their fellow comrades.”

Joseph’s essay is a testament to quality research and a detailed examination of the history surrounding what has been described as one of Australia’s greatest military achievements in WW1. You can read the full essay by clicking on this link - 

           Spirit Of ANZAC Essay 2021

We thoroughly recommend this piece of writing to you, congratulate Joseph on his endeavours, and thank Wesley for supporting the George V. Smith Award.

“Pressing On Remembering”

• The George V. Smith Award includes a certificate of achievement and a $250 book voucher to assist the education of the winning student. The cost of the voucher is shared by Friends President, Bruce Waxman, and the family of George Smith.