The haunting echo of bagpipes sounding the lament on Anzac Day is a poignant moment for many servicemen and women. This year, as the sun rose across the British countryside, Australian Army soldiers stood in the shade of a quiet forest, reflecting on those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Up to 70 Australian Army soldiers are training Ukrainian recruits in infantry skills alongside their New Zealand counterparts on Operation Kudu. The soldiers said they were honoured to commemorate Anzac Day in the UK, taking time away from a field exercise to do so.
Platoons of soldiers arose from their sleeping pits to pay their respects. A sandbag, bayonet rifle and slouch hat acted as the Cenotaph, as an Australian Army padre led the contingent through a service.
Three of those Australian soldiers who fought on the beaches of Gallipoli in World War 1 were Ukrainian nationals, while, in World War 2, 130 Ukrainians defended Australia as their home. The annual Anzac Day service in Kyiv paused last year, as the nation fought for its sovereignty.
An Australian Army officer deployed on his first overseas operation said he was proud to wear his uniform and represent Australia abroad.
“Anzac Day is an important opportunity for me to look back at my own family military history. I had two great uncles who fought in the Korean War, and neither of them were alive to see me start my own military career, but it’s a great opportunity for me to reflect on the importance of their service,” he said.
“As conflict and unrest continue to impact our world, stopping to reflect and remember our fallen is so important.”
The words of the Australian Army padre echoed this sentiment, praying for justice, freedom, security and peace.
“May their lives lost, laid down in love, move us in our work; in helping our present-day friends fight for their freedom,” the padre said.
