2 May 2024
The Australian Contingent of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) commemorated Anzac Day in Egypt and Jordan with solemn ceremonies honouring the sacrifices of past servicemen and women.
This Anzac Day held profound significance for these servicemen and women, as a month prior they had visited the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkiye, echoing the Anzacs before them who travelled from the military training camps in Cairo, Egypt, onto the sandy shores of Anzac Cove.
One soldier remarked that “walking the same ground where many of our soldiers fought and died evoked strong emotions and made the remembrance more personal and heartfelt”.
Commander Australian Contingent Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Glover said it was his fourth Anzac Day on deployment and each one had been unique but equally special.
“Remembering those who have served before us, whilst serving ourselves, provides an extraordinary opportunity to deeply reflect on one’s service to the nation,” he said.
The contingent toured Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair, gaining insights into the harsh conditions faced by the original Anzacs.
Reflecting on the experience, one soldier said: "It is a site rich with history and, for me, watching the waters hit the beach, looking at the terrain, standing in the trenches … I could not help but reflect on the sacrifices made here.”
Beyond the historical reverence, the day served as a solemn reminder to the serving personnel of the ongoing sacrifices made by those in uniform.
One member of the contingent said: “Anzac Day for me personally is an emotional day … Not only do I reflect on the courage, loss and bonds forged during the Gallipoli campaign, I also reflect on the events occurring in our present and future.”
ADF personnel deployed on Operation Mazurka are conducting a peacekeeping mission as part of the MFO, echoing the values and legacy of the Anzacs and embodying a commitment to peace and stability in a world fraught with conflict.
As one member of the deployed contingent said: “Peacekeeping missions are vital to prevent escalations of force that could ultimately lead to future conflicts.”
The MFO, based in Sinai, Egypt, was established to oversee the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty of 1979. Australia has a long association with the MFO and is one of the original troop-contributing nations.
