Anzac Day - London - 25th April 2026

Getting out of bed at 0300 hrs is not what I would normally consider whilst on a London weekend, more like going to bed, however this one was a little bit special.

ANZAC Day is the 25th April every year, and is an annual remembrance commemoration held in many countries, but most notably in Australia and New Zealand, along with the United Kingdom.

It commemorates the anniversary of the military landings on the Gallipoli Peninsula on 25th April 1915 by the “ANZACS”, the acronym associated with the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps during the first world war (1914-1918).

Due to its strategic location, it had also featured heavily in the Crimean War, the first Balkans War, along with periods in Greek history.

The aim during World War 1 was to provide some degree of relief supply route to Russia, an ally at that time.

The very “bloody” campaign lasted eight months with the final withdrawal being on 9th January 1916.

The Ottomans inflicted extremely heavy losses on the allied armies, in addition to which the Resident Christian population were forcibly removed to inner areas of Turkey where many were Exterminated by the Ottoman army, along with the systematic abuse of women and young girls.

On the allied side the campaign was highly promoted by the First Lord of the Admiralty, a certain “Winston Churchill”.

Over 11,500 ANZAC troops lost their lives, however over 250,000 troops were killed or injured on both sides (half a million).

Dawn service at Hyde park corner.

The dawn service commenced at just before 0500 hrs but due to security, I had to be seated in the VIP area by 0430 hrs due to the event being attended by HRH the Princess Royal and Admiral Lawrence.

The Princess Royal was greeted by the traditional Māori “haka” challenge, prior to the service commencing just as the sun started to rise above the Wellington Memorial Arch, the site for five different war memorials. Speeches, wreath laying along with traditional music was a wonderful focus, and the Princess Royal left to the sound of a Didgeridoo.

Whitehall cenotaph service and march past

Then it was time to get some coffee before moving to Whitehall for the commemorative parade and ceremonies, followed by the routine wreath laying and a really poignant march past of veterans from the ANZAC Corps, other military organisations and civilian participants.

Wonderful people of all ages and connections to the ANZAC family were there, and yours truly had managed to blag another VIP Pass to the area immediately behind the podium with a view that was second to none.

I’ve never seen so many officers in my life, even having been drafted in London as part of my own service with HM Forces.

All three service chiefs from the uk, along with military attaches from all the commonwealth nations and allies during world war 1.

The VIP guest of honour at this event was HRH Catherine, Princess of Wales who laid the wreath on behalf of the United Kingdom.

Finally, we moved to Westminster Abbey for the “formal” service of commemoration and remembrance.

This weekend is highly recommended for anyone, and there are direct bus links to Hyde Park Corner from 50 yards along from the Union Jack Club, even at 0345 hrs in the morning.

It really is a spectacular setting as the sun rises above Green Park and the Wellington Memorial Arch, along with a memorable full service and parade at the National Cenotaph in Whitehall.

SIMON D WOODROW

YEOVIL AND DISTRICT BRANCH