On 25th April every year, the people of Australia and New Zealand commemorate the troops who fought and died for the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps at Gallipoli, and for the fallen of these countries in subsequent wars.

8000 Australians and 147 New Zealanders died between 25th April 1st May 1915 after the failed attempt to capture the Gallipoli peninsular from the Turks. Some 60,000 Australians and 2000 New Zealanders died in the whole campaign. Many from these countries feel that it was a war they should not have been involved in, but for many others they are proud of their countrymen who sacrificed so much for what may have been a misguided attempt to secure peace in Europe. The ANZAC troops were particularly noted by their allies for their courage in the face of adversity.

The men of New Zealand and Australia have taken part in many conflicts since. Their roles in the Second World War, the Korean War and Vietnam cannot be underestimated. Each year on 25th April, a dawn service takes place across the region, and across the world, including at the Australian War Memorial at Hyde Park Corner.

As we observe a minutes silence on 11th November to remember those who died in conflict throughout the years, please take a minute from your day to think of those from Australia and New Zealand who have died, especially at Gallipoli.

They shall not grow old as we who are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.