Australasian war dead are remembered on Anzac Day

Soldiers who fell at Gallipoli 109 years ago were among those honoured at a remembrance service yesterday at Fort George.

Standards are lowered as the island marks Anzac Day for the 13th time with a service at Fort George. The standard bearers included children of Australian and New Zealand families. (Pictures by Sophie Rabey, 33175677)

About 30 people attended the early morning service, which was led by the Dean, the Very Rev. Tim Barker.

‘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,’ said the Dean.

During the service wreaths were laid at the memorial by Lt-Governor, Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell, and Major Bob Place, president of the Guernsey branch of the Royal British Legion.

The Lt-Governor, Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell, was among those to lay a wreath during the service as was the local branch of the Royal British Legion. (33175682)

The national anthems of Australia and New Zealand were sung.

Two children of Australian and New Zealand families were the flag bearers of the two countries during the ceremony.

‘It was really good because I was doing something to honour those who died during the war,’ said Annaliese Sanders, 14.

Annaliese’s parents both came to Guernsey from New Zealand before she was born. She said she had enjoyed being a part of something that ‘means so much to New Zealand’.

Bearing the flag for Australia was 11-year-old Atticus Robinson. ‘It feels really special to be a part of,’ he said.

Organiser Jonathan Bates said it was important that Guernsey continued to recognise Anzac Day.

‘Guernsey is an international community so it is important to recognise that with the service,’ he said.

Manager Ian Ewing, left, and players Samantha Atkinson and Ray Pearse, from the Australina team at the World Bowls Indoor Championships, attended the service.(33175706)

A team of Australian bowlers, in the island for the World Bowls Indoor Championship, were also pleased to be able to attend the short service.

‘It’s really nice that it was recognised here and that we were able to come along to this service,’ said Samantha Atkinson.

She attended with teammates Ray Pearse and Ian Ewing.

‘It is always nice to be able to remember the people who died for our country and nice that we were also able to do it here,’ said Mr Pearse.

Next year’s service will be moved to an earlier time of 7.30am to make it easier for people who go to work or school to attend.

‘It was a really lovely service, but the 7.30am start next year should be better, as the services are typically meant to be held at dawn,’ said St Peter Port douzenier Chris Hudson.

WHAT IS ANZAC DAY?

It is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand for victims of war and recognition of both countries’ armed forces.

On the 25 April 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers landed at Gallipoli as part of a land-based operation to help allied forces capture Constantinople, which was an ally of Germany.

By the end of the campaign, which lasted eight months, more than 8,000 Australasian soldiers had died.

This year’s Anzac Day service was the 13th to be held in Guernsey.