Historical Swimming

ANZAC Swimming Carnivals in War Zones

Ria Bleathman · 5 November 2026

ANZAC Swimming Carnivals in War Zones

Surf carnivals were held by ANZAC forces during WW2 which were designed to boost morale, demonstrate lifesaving skills and provide community entertainment. These events showcased the physical fitness of the troops and were organized in locations including: Gaza Beach, 21st September 1941, Tel Aviv in the British Mandate of Palestine, 26th May 1940, Huon Peninsula New Guinea 28th February 1944, Lae New Guinea 27th August 1944, Torokina Beach, Bougainville, July 1944, Newquay, Cornwall UK, July 1945 and Labuan Island Malaysia 23rd August 1945.

Above Image: Surf Life Saving Carnival at Gaza Beach, September 1941. The 6th Division Cavalry Team in swimming trunks and berets and below: The march past of Anzac life-saver teams at the surf carnival.

British Pathé Newsreel titled “Australian Surf Men in Palestine” described the Australians as “magnificent specimens of sterling manhood” which gave rise to a new kind of Australian masculine hero. In WW1, the Australian hero was a Man of the Bush, a master horseman, a man in a felt hat but WW2 newsreels showed instead a man wearing not much more than his underwear. The Bronzed Aussie is a result of losing the hat, the horse and most of his clothes. These young men were made physically fit by their swimming and running training, rather than farming or manual work. They were urban heroes, just as Australia was becoming increasingly urbanised. Under the auspices of boosting services morale, Australia’s export of its surf culture to the world was given new impetus during WW2.

Anzac Surf Carnival

Sources: https://www.britishpathe.com/asset/81480/

By Ria Bleathman, (Reproduced from the Brighton Iceberger Newsletter 5 Nov 2026).

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