Gallipoli heroes are remembered

AUSTRALIAN and New Zealand nationals in Guernsey united to honour their troops who fell 108 years ago.

The standards of the Royal British Legion are dipped to honour the Australian and New Zealand servicemen who died at Gallipoli. The honour of carrying the New Zealand flag was given to 10-year-old Nathan Sanders, left, while Poppy Robison, 12, far right, was flag bearer for Australia. (Pictures by Peter Frankland, 32043453)

Some 30 people gathered at the Fort George memorial to remember more than 8,000 troops who landed under fire at Gallipoli in 1915.

In Australia and New Zealand, ceremonies are typically held at dawn, the time of the original Gallipoli landing. It was the twelfth year a Guernsey Anzac service had been held.

‘We meet here today to honour the heroism, tenacity and resilience of those young men who were sent to Gallipoli,’ said the Dean of Guernsey, the Very Rev. Tim Barker, who opened the ceremony.

‘We are here, not to glorify war or praise victors, but to remember those who have served during times of conflict and crisis, and to reflect upon their selfless sacrifice.’

For the first year, the national anthems were accompanied by a piano, played by Harry Nicholson, and bugles were played by Lt Tony Eng and Lt David Perrio.

Readings were given to the congregation by Jonathan Bates, grandson of Major J W Bain, of New Zealand’s 22nd Battalion, Australian David Doutney, and also Lt Bailiff Hazel Marshall.

Poppy Robison, 12 was flag bearer for Australia and Nathan Sanders, 10 was flag bearer for New Zealand. (32043474)

Wreaths were laid by the Lt-Governor, Lt General Richard Cripwell, Royal British Legion Guernsey branch president Major Bob Place, and St Peter Port senior constable Zoe Lihou.

Two local students carried flags from their respective countries.

Poppy Robison, 12, was the flag bearer for Australia. Her great-great-great-grandfather fought for Australia in the First World War.

Nathan Sanders, 10, is the great-grandson of three men who served for New Zealand in the Second World War. He carried the New Zealand flag.

‘It was really good but I was a bit nervous,’ said Poppy. ‘To stand up there in front of everyone felt like I was representing my country.’

Poppy’s family attend the service every year and last year she did a reading, and her brother Atticus was the Australian flag bearer.

Her family have lived in Guernsey for 12 years. She was born in the island, but her parents are Australian.

Australian and New Zealand nationals in Guernsey were also invited to St Peter Port constables office in the evening for refreshments in gratitude of support for the ceremony.

The flags of both countries were flown outside of the building.