“As long as life and memory last, he will never be forgotten,” reads the headstone of Private W. Towers from the 1st Battalion Australian Infantry. He died, aged 25, on the shores of Gallipoli.
Private Towers represents just one of the many brave Australian and New Zealand soldiers who selflessly and courageously sacrificed their lives, and forged the legacy of the Anzacs, a spirit that lives on today.
One hundred and nine years later, Australian and New Zealand Defence Force Personnel stood shoulder to shoulder on guard at the Anzac Day Dawn Service in Gallipoli.
The ceremony was watched by 1647 attendees who made the solemn pilgrimage to Gallipoli, the highest attendance since the 2015 centenary, with thousands more watching from across the globe.
Honouring the spirit of the Anzacs and their renowned devotion to mateship, the Aussie and Kiwi soldiers banded together against adversity to make the service happen after New Zealand’s ceremonial uniforms, musical instruments and equipment had been lost in transit.
Catafalque party commander from Australia’s Federation Guard Corporal Romina Santa Maria said that it was a no-brainer to help out their kiwi mates.
“There was a lot of contingency planning, rehearsals, lending of instruments and pieces of uniforms to make sure that both nations had the opportunity to represent at the Anzac Cove Dawn Service,” Corporal Santa Maria said.
“We felt for them and could put ourselves in their shoes. Being a part of Anzac Day in Gallipoli is a huge honour so of course we did what we could do help.
“It’s just what we do, help our mates out in times of need and get the job done.”
