IT TOOK months before what was really unfolding in Gallipoli became common knowledge back home. XAVIER DUFF reports

It is a cruel irony that the tragedy that spawned Australia's most sacred day was first reported as a success.

A week after April 25, 1915, when 650 Australian soldiers died and 2000 were injured on the shores of Gallipoli, readers of The Weekly Times were told the landing had been successful.

"They have captured many prisoners and are continuing their advance," an official military dispatch said.

"The Allied troops which were landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula thoroughly made good their footing with the effective help of the navy," it continued.

It would be months before the true story emerged of the bungled landing which left our troops on the wrong beaches, unable to advance and exposed to Turkish fire.

King George's message of congratulations for the "splendid conduct and bravery" of the troops who "proved themselves worthy sons of the Empire" would have been cold comfort for the many families who later learned of their losses that fateful day.

The news was slow to trickle through, each week becoming more grim until the full extent of Australia's tragedy was revealed.

If indeed the landing had been a success, ANZAC Day may not be commemorated this Saturday.