The Chinese ANZACS

The stories of Chinese Anzacs have tended to be untold within the larger story of the First World War. During the Anzac Centenary, there has been renewed interest in understanding the experiences of Australia’s diverse cultural groups during the First World War. Chinese Anzacs served in many roles and in many theatres of war.
The stories in our present exhibition shed light on individual wartime experiences, the challenges of being an Australian soldier of Chinese ancestry, as well as the challenges for such soldiers on return to civilian life. While recruitment policies at the time were racially discriminatory, most Chinese –Australians who successfully enlisted completed their war service with the acceptance and respect of their fellow soldiers. There were over 220 Chinese who in listed in the AIF, many gave the supreme sacrifice, and many were awarded many medals of Gallantry.

This exhibition at Box Hill RSL, gives not only our members an insight into Chinese Anzacs, but also the General public, who are also invited to view this most comprehensive exhibition.