28 April 2025
ADF and New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel supported three parades in the Anzac Day 2025 commemorations at Gallipoli.
The Australian contingent included members from Australia’s Federation Guard (AFG) and the Australian Army Band, who started at 1am to travel to the Gallipoli peninsular to commemorate soldiers who fought there in 1915.
The contingent first paraded together at Anzac Cove, forming the catafalque party and band before attending two other parades on the peninsular.
Dignitaries from all over the world attended the parade at Anzac Cove, notably Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, who represented His Majesty King Charles III.
Her Royal Highness described the lessons learnt and illustrated the senseless loss of life during wars.
The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia Sam Mostyn also addressed the gathering, highlighting the immense sacrifice made by the men who fought at Gallipoli and across the peninsular.
'As the first light arrived, as hard as we tried, we could not put ourselves in their boots.'
Governor-General Mostyn thanked the people of Turkiye for their warmth and generosity, and for looking after Australians buried in Turkiye, who are now sons of their land.
“Shortly before this time yesterday, at day’s break, together with my Aide-de-Camp and husband, we stood on the shore of Anzac Cove with our feet in the water," she said.
"As the first light arrived, as hard as we tried, we could not put ourselves in their boots.”
She also stressed the importance of peace and cooperation.
During the commemoration at Anzac Cove, dignitaries laid wreaths to honour and pay their respects to those who lost their lives in battle.
The contingent then moved to Lone Pine where Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond recalled one of the most intense battles in the Gallipoli campaign.
“Lone Pine remains etched in our memory not only because of the fierce fighting that happened here, but because of the civilised spirit of the Anzacs, their courage, resilience and refusal to give in,” Vice Admiral Hammond said.
The Australian contingent ended their day at Chunuk Bair where they assisted the NZDF, and paid their respects to New Zealand soldiers who fought together with Australians in 1915.
All ADF and NZDF members were deeply moved by the day, and felt fortunate to have had the opportunity to represent their nations as part of a living tribute to honour the Anzacs 110 years on.
