We will remember them: 100th Anzac anniversary in Wellington

We will remember them: 100th Anzac anniversary in Wellington

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Sir Jerry Mateparae.

“One hundred years ago today, Australian and New Zealand troops, the Anzacs, shared an experience which would change both nations forever, the Gallipoli landings. On this momentous anniversary, it’s a great honour and a privilege, and highly appropriate to be standing alongside the Governor-General for the Commonwealth of Australia, Sir Peter Cosgrove.”

He told a story detailing New Zealand/Australian comradeship at Gallipoli.

“Historian Christopher Pugsley notes that all New Zealander soldiers’ diaries and letters of that day recorded their admiration for the Australians. Australian Private Bill Gilbey met New Zealand Private Clarrie Nicholl in 1941 after they had both escaped from German prisoner of war camps. They were on the run and desperate to get off the island.

One day, Private Nicholl collapsed, obviously in intense pain. His Australian mate realised that in order to get urgent medical attention, they would have to give themselves up to the enemy. That meant carrying Private Nicholl nearly 13km to a village where German troops were stationed. Private Gilbey stayed with his mate until his death, two days later. As he fully expected, Private Gilbey spent the rest of the war in a prison of war camp.

After the war, he kept a promise to Private Nicholl to go to New Zealand and return a photograph of his girlfriend to her. In his actions, he showed a quality that we have come to identify as part of the Anzac spirit; courage, compassion and nature in the face of diversity.

And he showed that in the midst of the horrors of war, moments of astonishing humanity emerge. For me, it is those human connections that we are commemorating today.”

Mateparae said that 100 years ago, the Anzacs would have been feeling all kinds of emotions, and wondering how the day would unfold for them.

“For most, it would be their first taste of war. For many hundreds, it would also be their last. When the sun sets in Canberra this evening, we will remember them.”

Australian GG Sir Peter Cosgrove said, “It’s a day that will further reinforce the bond between our two peoples.”

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Sir Peter Cosgrove.

He described the Anzac soldiers as “ordinary, everyday people”.

“Some were so young, they hadn’t even finished school. By the end of the day, and those that followed, they were no longer innocents. They had experienced war in all its dreadfulness. They had become soldiers.”

The ode was read by Colonel Bill Nathan and Lieutenant Colonel Ron Turner.

Sir Willie Apiata was among the veterans present.

Wellington Sea Scouts Eddie Tait and Alex Winfield were excited to have marched in their first Dawn Service.

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Sea scouts: Eddie Tait, 9, and Alex Winfield, 11.

Eddie said it was exciting to see the Governor-General, whereas Alex had been too distracted by somebody who had fainted nearby.

The Dawn Service is traditionally held at the Wellington Cenotaph, but the significance of Anzac Day 2015 necessitated that the event be held at Wellington’s brand new Pukeahu National War Memorial Park for this year only.

Tea and Anzac biscuits were available in the Arras Tunnel following the service.

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National War Memorial.

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The crowd at the end of the service.

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The crowd dispersing after the service.