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What is Anzac Day? Meaning of Australia’s Gallipoli memorial day explained and how it’s observed in the UK

Anzac Day is marked in Australia and New Zealand on 25 April to commemorate the victims of war and recognise the role of the armed forces.

The acronym Anzac stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps and the date chosen marks a significant moment in the First World War for troops from this part of the world.

It serves as a moment to remember all Australians and New Zealanders “who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations” and “the contribution and suffering of all those who have served”.

What is Anzac Day?

Anzac Day is held on the anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli, Turkey on 25 April, 1915 during the First World War.

When Great Britain declared war against Germany for its invasion of Belgium in 1914, Australia and New Zealand, then dominions within the British Empire, regarded themselves automatically also at war.

At dawn on 25 April, 1915, the first of approximately 70,000 soldiers from the Allied force landed at Gallipoli.

Out of these 70,000 soldiers, more than 20,000 were Australian and New Zealand soldiers.

The objective was to drive through to Istanbul, take Turkey out of the war and to provide supplies to Russia in its fight against Germany.

Capturing the land and gaining access to the Dardanelles, a thin strip of water between Gallipoli and mainland Turkey, was the plan.

It was a key location, as it would have meant Allied ships would be able to get through to the Black Sea, and also Constantinople (now Istanbul), the then capital of the Ottoman Empire, which was fighting alongside the Germans.

But what had been planned as a bold stroke became a stalemate after the invading troops failed to reach their objective.

Both sides suffered heavy casualties and the Allied forces were evacuated by the end of the year.

It is estimated that 8,700 Australian and 2,700 New Zealanders were killed.

In 1916, the first anniversary of the landing was observed in Australia, New Zealand and England and by troops in Egypt.

That year, 25 April was officially named Anzac Day by the acting Australian prime minister, George Pearce.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 25: Members of Scots College march during the ANZAC Day parade on April 25, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. Anzac Day is a national holiday in Australia, traditionally marked by a dawn service held during the time of the original Gallipoli landing and commemorated with ceremonies and parades throughout the day. Anzac Day commemorates the day the Australian and New Zealand Army Corp (ANZAC) landed on the shores of Gallipoli on April 25, 1915, during World War I. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images) ***BESTPIX***
Members of Scots College march during the Anzac Day parade on Tuesday in Sydney, Australia (Photo: Mark Evans/Getty)

How is it commemorated in Australia and New Zealand?

Anzac Day is a public holiday in Australia and New Zealand but not in the UK.

Commemorative services are held at dawn, the time of the original landing in Gallipoli, across both nations.

Later in the day, ex-servicemen and women meet to take part in marches through the major cities and in many smaller towns.

In Australia, veterans march with members of the Australian defence force and reserves, allied veterans, Australian defence force cadets and Australian air league.

In New Zealand, marches are attended by the New Zealand defence force, the New Zealand cadet forces, members of the New Zealand police, New Zealand fire service and order of St John ambulance service.

Paper poppies are worn as symbols of remembrance, as they are on Remembrance Sunday in the UK and other Commonwealth countries.

Commemorative ceremonies are also held at war memorials around the two nations.

Is it marked in the UK?

According to the Australian High Commission in the UK, “the Anzac spirit lives on in the hearts and minds of all Australians and New Zealanders, no matter where they are in the world”.

Both the Australian and New Zealand High Commissions to the United Kingdom said they were “proud to commemorate the courage and sacrifice of those who contributed so much to shaping the story of our nations”.

But this year’s arrangements to commemorate were somewhat curtailed by preparations for the forthcoming coronation.

“Due to preparations for the Coronation of Their Majesties The King and Queen Consort on Saturday 6th May, it will not be possible to invite the public to the annual Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey”, a statement from the Australian High Commission in the UK read, “However, The Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle has kindly invited a very small number of representatives including the High Commissioners for Australia and New Zealand, and armed forces representatives to honour the Anzacs at a special service at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior.”

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 25: Prince William, Prince of Wales attends the Dawn Service at the Australia Memorial at Hyde Park Corner on Anzac Day 2023 at Hyde Park on April 25, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)
Prince William lay a wreath during the dawn service in London (Photo: Mark Cuthbert/UK Press/ Getty)

The customary Anzac Day dawn service was still held at Hyde Park Corner in London from 5-6am, where the public, members of the defence forces and dignitaries were invited to gather and pay respects to those lost in conflict.

The Prince of Wales joined Australians, New Zealanders and military personnel at the service to lay a wreath of red poppies and white flowers at Wellington Arch.

During the service, High Commissioner for Australia, Stephen Smith, and his New Zealand counterpart, Phil Goff, also laid wreaths.

Mr Smith said: “We now take the opportunity on Anzac Day to commemorate all Australians and New Zealanders who made a contribution not just in Gallipoli, but throughout those conflicts.

“The day of commemoration has also grown to acknowledge not just the contribution made by those millions of men and women, but also to reflect upon the values and virtues of character of diversity.

“We have grown throughout that period of time, and now come to reflect the values and virtues and characteristics of both Australia and New Zealand.”

In an acknowledgement of this diversity, digeridoo music was played as well as “The Last Post”.

Later at 11am, the Anzac Day cenotaph service was due to be held at the cenotaph in Whitehall, London where wreaths would also be laid.

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