Picture: Darren Leigh Roberts
An interactive online video featuring 360-degree drone footage of the tracks Australia’s World War I diggers made along the Western Front has been launched on a mobile phone app by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Darren Chester said that while Gallipoli would be forever etched in the nation’s history, it was the Western Front where Australia suffered its greatest losses during World War I.
“This new app and videos, developed in partnership with News Corp Australia and produced by Grainger Films, will allow all Australians, including our next generation of school children, to experience these sites from their classroom or at home in their living room,” Mr Chester said.
“Most importantly, it allows those who cannot visit these sites in person the opportunity to feel like a visitor, but at the same time inspiring others to travel over to France, or across the border into Belgium.”
He said the partnership would allow viewers to explore Australia’s story on the Western Front through a present day lens and technology.
“Eight key sites and battles are explained, highlighting the challenges our troops faced some 100 years ago, from the well positioned enemy to the tactical decisions that had to be made, or moments of bravery that resulted in a Victoria Cross,” Mr Chester said.
“The clips merge 360-degree aerial and ground footage from the present day with period imagery, graphics and more.”
He encouraged everyone to download the app and view the videos, learn more about the Australians on the Western Front and in doing so, never forgetting the troops and what they did.
The ‘Anzac 360’ app is free to download from the App Store and Google Play.
