Shadow of the Fallen

Image: This enhanced photograph was shared across our social media platforms and has become our most successful post to date

Many families will be reflecting on the shadow of 1916 this Anzac Day. On Remembrance Day 2015 we encouraged you all to reflect on the long shadow cast by war and conflict over our nation’s history. Images like this are even more relevant in 2016. More Australians died on the Western Front than fell at Gallipoli - throughout 2016 we will remember the numerous heroic engagements fought by Australians in 1916, notably during the Battle of the Somme.

For us one sign of the growing interest in the Great War, and growing reverence for our Diggers past and present, was the success of this simple image which we sent out to our community last year:

We were surprised by its lightning success and quick uptake. The post reached over 100,000 Australians in less than 24 hours. Unlike most images, we share it continued to gather steam in the days after being posted and has since reached a further 30,000 people. In addition to the 6,508 community members who liked the photograph, many shared it directly with their friends and many more left a message.

A majority of the Facebook comments were heartfelt short messages like the ones listed above. There were also longer messages from the families of ex-servicemen and several photographs like those shown below:

Many of our other pre-Remembrance Day posts were also surprisingly successful in the lead up to 11 November 2015. Indeed, one about a crusty old tower in Woden, Canberra reached an astounding 15,241 people and received 388 Likes and 58 Shares in under 24 hours. Australians are demonstrating a growing respect for the fallen in the Anzac Centenary.

Lest We Forget