Light rain during the dawn ANZAC service at The Rock was welcomed by the 80 people gathered under the spotlights to commemorate the 102nd landing of the troops on the beach on the Gallipoli Peninsula.
Major James Van Strijp gave the address, asking the gathered to close their eyes and transport themselves to a place far away, to the sound of waves sloshing against the dozens of lighters carrying the Australian and New Zealand soldiers towards the dark beach.
There wasn’t any talking as stomachs tightened in preparation for the whispered order to disembark into waist deep water, carrying their packs with rifles at the ready. The stumble as boots grated on the sand, the cold of the water and knowing their mates were behind them wanting to reach the beach kept the soldiers moving on.
“What happened next is recorded in one of the most ghastly records of war and bloodshed,” Major Van Strijp continued. “In the half-light of dawn thousands of bullets from the Turkish forces at the top of the cliffs rained down upon the defenceless soldiers.”
“There is no glory in war, it is bloody, painful and despairing and yet, it is in these circumstances in which people bind together forming lifelong bonds through, and in, adversity.”
Major Van Strijp talked about the tenacity and ingenuity of Australian soldiers fighting in the Pacific, defending their Australian shores from the Japanese. “There are horror stories from these battles, many which are only becoming known.”
Just before the service ended, a concert of bird calls preceded the sounding of the Last Post. The overture was by sulpur-crested cockatoos, the first act by kookaburras, the second movement from the magpies, the finale provided by the gaggle of galahs waiting in the eucalypt trees and, finally, the Last Post echoing through the misty rain at The Rock.
Lest We Forget.
Pennie Scott
I am an independent scholar with interests and expertise in regenerative agriculture, equity and justice for farmers, functioning healthy landscapes and the culture in agri-culture. My aim is to inform holistically and honestly to ensure readers have access to what they need, now.
I am an independent scholar with interests and expertise in regenerative agriculture, equity and justice for farmers, functioning healthy landscapes and the culture in agri-culture. My aim is to inform holistically and honestly to ensure readers have access to what they need, now.
