ANZAC Day 2007 – Gallipoli

Deployed to Sinai with the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO), five NZDF personnel (Capt Brent Quin SSGT Bruce Fisher, FSGT Anthony Te Wano, LCPL Carl Buller, and LAC Michael Lang) were able to travel to Gallipoli for Anzac Day 2007.

11 May 2007

by LCpl Carl Buller (RNZALR) and LAC Michael Lang (RNZAF)

We departed Egypt on 18 April and flew direct to Istanbul, where we were introduced to the Royal New Zealand Air Force Band, the Principal Chaplain of the Defence Force (Padre Neill) the Australian Forces Guard, the Royal Australian Navy Band and representatives from Veterans Affairs New Zealand (VANZ) -  all of whom we’d be working with throughout the ANZAC services.

After a day and half enjoying the sights and sounds of Istanbul, the New Zealand and Australian contingents traveled via bus to the Gallipoli Peninsula. After a look around the Gallipoli Township (about 30 kilometres from the battle site itself) we moved on to Anzac Cove for a brief reconnaissance of the area and time for some initial reflection before catching the ferry to Cannakale where we would be based for the next few days.
The following days were spent rehearsing for the Anzac Parade, spending hours learning SLR drills under the guidance of the Australian Forces Guard - ensuring we got it just right for the big day.

The New Zealand contingent provided guard and flag bearers for the Anzac Cove and Chunuk Bair ceremonies as well as the first reading for the Chunuk Bair service.
Anzac Day itself meant an early start, leaving the hotel at 0030 to be at the Cove before the crowds. You don’t realise how big this occasion is until you see it with your own eyes.

Anzac Cove was overrun with thousands of people sitting in the stands and covering every bit of available space, making for an amazing sight. It was a great to see all the Kiwis and Aussies that had make the trip to Gallipoli - for some the trip was the conclusion of a long pilgrimage and for others another stop on their OE.
After the Dawn service at Anzac Cove the Australians and New Zealanders went their separate ways, the Australians to Lone Pine for their ceremony at 0930 and the New Zealanders to Chunuk Bair for our ceremony at 1230. Hearing our national anthem playing and the crowd singing and feeling a sense of national pride and unity.

After the ceremony it was back onto the bus to Cannakale, where the two contingents reflected on a good day’s work and retired for a relaxing evening.
The following day the contingent departed for Istanbul via Troy and within 24 hours of leaving Anzac Cove the five of us were back on a plane to Cairo followed by a bus ride to the MFO North camp in the Sinai.
It was an extremely rewarding experience.

Our special thanks to both VANZ and Lieutenant Commander Lincoln Kyne (RNZN) for the time they took to ensure the trip was a success and also  to the Australian Forces Guard for their assistance to the New Zealand guard. The conduct of the ceremonies was a tribute to the continued professionalism and co-operation of Australians and New Zealanders working together.

Ends

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