The Australian and New Zealand communities in Jersey will gather at the island’s war memorial in the Parade at dawn on 25th April to honour their countrymen who served in the two world wars and subsequent conflicts.
Anzac Day ceremonies have been held throughout Australia and New Zealand and around the world for almost 100 years at dawn on 25th April, that is the time when soldiers from both countries landed on Turkey’s Gallipoli Peninsula. It was the first time these armed forces had fought under their own flag and command.
What is Anzac day?
Anzac stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. The soldiers in those forces quickly became known as Anzacs, and the pride they took in that name endures to this day.
The Australian and New Zealand forces landed on Gallipoli on 25 April 1916 during the First World War, meeting fierce resistance from the Ottoman Turkish defenders. What had been planned as a bold stroke to knock Turkey out of the war quickly became a stalemate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months.
At the end of 1916 the Allied forces were evacuated from the peninsula, with both sides having suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. More than 8,000 Australian soldiers had died in the campaign. Gallipoli had a profound impact on Australians at home, and 25 April soon became the day on which they remember the sacrifice of those who died in the war.
Today, Anzac Day is one of the most important dates in the year for Australians and New Zealanders. While Anzac Day is readily associated with these two countries, it is also an opportunity to remember all those involved in the campaign, particularly Jerseymen who also fought in Gallipoli.
Jersey’s ceremony, now in its seventh year, will be led by the Bailiff, Timothy Le Cocq who will lay a wreath at the Cenotaph on behalf of the Crown, the States Assembly and the People of Jersey. His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton will lay a wreath as will the Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré on behalf of the Government of Jersey.
Wreaths will be laid by military representatives from the Australian Defence Force, the New Zealand Defence Force, Royal British Legion Jersey Branch, Royal Commonwealth Society, and the Gurkha Welfare Trust.
The Bailiff, Timothy Le Cocq said: “It is a privilege to stand with members of Australian and New Zealand communities in Jersey on Anzac Day. As the island awakens on 25th April, we will remember those who sacrificed their lives at Gallipoli and pay tribute to the courage of those who served in the First World War and in conflicts around the world in the 100 years since that time.
“This commemoration event gives us all the opportunity to mark such an important day, it is particularly poignant for those who have direct family links with that specific campaign in 1915-16.”
The ceremony will begin at 05:45 hrs and the service will include prayers by The Reverend Nick Barry from St Luke’s Church. A bugler will sound the last post followed by a minute’s silence. Anyone who wishes to join the Island’s Australian and New Zealand communities in this special act of remembrance is most welcome to attend, breakfast will be served in the Assembly Room at the Town Hall on completion of the service.
Members of the public wishing to attend are asked to be at the cenotaph no later than 05:40hrs for a prompt start.
The main image shows the Eternal Flame at the Australian War Memorial.
