Social Studies: Significance of WW1, ANZAC - The Last Post

 Hi there!

Today I will be writing about what I have learnt in Social Studies regarding the song, The Last Post.

Here is a video of The Last Post being played:

When do you hear this song? 

The Last Post is usually played at ANZAC dawn services on the 25th of April 1915. It is sometimes played on Remembrance Day too. 

Why is this song significant/important to New Zealand?

The Last Post is significant to New Zealand because it is the song/tune we associate with mourning the soldiers who fought in wars. More specifically, the ANZAC troops and the campaigns they were apart of to help our 'mother' country, Britain. 

What is the history behind The Last Post - when and why was it played?  

Before being played at ANZAC services, The Last Post almost serviced as a bell and a noise to notify the soldiers as to what they were supposed to be doing and when. The song dates back to the mid 1800's - around about the same time of the signing of The Treaty of Waitangi as an example of the time. It gave the soldiers notice of when they had inspections, exercise time and other daily events they needed to do. 

What does this song represent?

The Last Post is played to mourn the dead and honour those who were lost at wars, whether they be far from home or nearby. It represents the history from a plethora of militaries, wars, nations and peoples. The Last Post lets soldiers rest in peace, let them go beyond the physical world and recognise they fulfilled their duty. 

Here is a map I made regarding the travel of the ANZAC troops and where they fought: 

Thanks for reading!