Anzac Day marked by service

Australian and New Zealand armed forces landed on 25 April 1915 and met fierce resistance from the Ottoman Turkish defenders in the First World War. The fighting lasted for eight months and more than 10,000 solders were killed.

About 40 islanders gathered at the Fort George war memorial yesterday morning for the Anzac Day service, including Bailiff Richard McMahon and Lt-Governor Lt-General Richard Cripwell.

‘It’s been a wonderful morning,’ said Lt-General Cripwell.

‘It’s important to people, and

people often think these services must be big, but the important thing is we are here to remember the dead.’

He said the conflict in Ukraine meant many people have war at the front of their minds.

‘Of course people are thinking more about those lost in war. Certainly for myself these days it’s important to recognise those who have been lost.

‘I’ve seen the ground myself and the ground over which Anzac forces fought and it is an extraordinary piece of ground. Today is just as important to Turkey as it is to Anzacs,’ he said.

During the service, a welcome speech was given by the Rev. Juliette Robilliard, in which she said they were not gathered to glorify war, but to remember those who served in times of crisis.

Those in attendance also sang the national anthems of New Zealand and Australia.

Two students were asked to be flag bearers at the event.

Ladies’ College pupil Annaliese Sanders, 12, was born in New Zealand, and is the great-granddaughter of three men who served that country during the Second World War.

‘I was a bit nervous and I didn’t want to do the wrong thing,’ she said.

Her father Matthew said the day signified an important part of the family’s identity.

‘She was really honoured to be asked and it’s been a lovely, glorious morning,’ he said.

Hautes Capelles student Atticus Robison, nine, was representing his Australian roots.

‘It was really good fun and it’s nice having a good job to do in all of it,’ he said.