One of the most brilliant generals of World War I and an architect of Anzac Day, Sir John Monash helped create the Anzac legend by ensuring the courage of his men was enshrined in Australian history. Today he is all but forgotten.
Monash - The Forgotten Anzac explores the character and achievements of an extraordinary figure in Australian history, the battles he fought both on and off the battlefield, and the prejudice he overcame to help win a war.
It is the story of an unlikely hero; a middle-aged German Jew with great self-belief who fought not just the German army but those on his own side who used his heritage to undermine him.
To many, Monash’s cultured European background made him unsuitable to command an army made up of egalitarian Australian volunteers, but his sophistication and ease with the British aristocracy allowed him to exhibit his skill as a military strategist. Defeating powerful opposition to become commander of the Australian Corps, Monash devised a plan that won key World War I battles and saved thousands of lives.
It was largely through his efforts during the war and its aftermath that the Anzac legend was forged and the soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps became famous for their qualities of courage, mateship and sacrifice.
Monash - The Forgotten Anzac examines Monash’s key military victories and the hidebound military culture he overturned to win them. And it introduces us to Monash, the man.
A Screen Australia Making History Production in association with 360 Degree Films. Produced with the assistance of Film Victoria. Developed and produced in association with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Click to see production stills
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Monash – The Forgotten Anzac Launch
Palace Cinema Como, South Yarra
Thursday 6th November, 2008
Click to see launch stills
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More about Monash - The Forgotten Anzac
See our other showcases
Executive Producers
Mark Hamlyn, Alex West
Producer
John Moore
Director
Malcolm McDonald
Writers
Mick Cummins, John Moore, Mac Gudgeon, Malcolm McDonald
Classification
Exempt from classification – for educational purposes only.
Duration
55 minutes
Year
2008
Press Kit
Monash - The Forgotten Anzac Press Kit 
For Teachers
Curriculum links include English, Media Studies, SOSE/HSIE, History and Politics.
Monash - The Forgotten Anzac Teachers Notes
Links
View behind-the-scenes footage from the documentary
What the Critics Have Said
"Essential Remembrance Day viewing."
The Melbourne Age
"An excellent exercise in popular history that avoids easy opportunism."
Weekend Australian
"This is solid stuff involving courage, sacrifice and mateship – the qualities that defined Monash's success and provided the blood with which such history is written."
Sydney Morning Herald
"Monash - The Forgotten Anzac probably won't alter Digger mythology, forever linked to Gallipoli. But hopefully the documentary will go some way to restoring John Monash to his rightful place in Australian history."
West Australian