On 25th April 1915, 16,000 New Zealand and Australian soldiers surged ashore at the foot of rugged cliffs on the Dardanelles Peninsula, Turkey. These ANZACs were part of a WW1 campaign intended to force Turkey out of the war. In the months which followed the first landing, some 50,000 ANZACs had been committed to the battlefront. When the campaign was withdrawn eight months later, some 11,000 New Zealanders and Australians lay dead - amongst many more allied and Turkish soldiers.
This week, Casey research station gathered for a dawn service to remember those soldiers who served on the Gallipoli Peninsula and created the legend of the ANZAC spirit. Unfortunately, high winds coupled with blown snow and white-out conditions prohibited an outside service next to the flagpoles. Nevertheless, we improvised by holding the commemoration in the Red Shed’s wallow – taking a moment to capture a group photo outside once the service was complete.
The day was a poignant opportunity for quiet reflection to recognise that at Casey, we do not have to worry about the horrors of war. Our spectacular sunrises and sunsets tend to stimulate enthusiastic photo snapping – rather than instilling fear and trepidation as we ‘face out’ with weapons and scour the landscape for possible enemies. Here, we also tend to feel far removed from civilisation and the dreadfulness of conflict, natural disasters and global suffering. We currently enjoy the luxury of a surreal environment that has much to offer and teach us. So, the morning’s service was a fitting opportunity to pay homage to our veterans and those who gave their lives for the freedom and quality of life we enjoy today, to spend some time for quiet reflection on how lucky we are and to appreciate the friendship and camaraderie we share as members of Casey Station.
Our morning started with a ‘gunfire breakfast’ of coffee (with ‘extra strong’ beans) and ANZAC Day biscuits, prior to undertaking the service. Once the ANZAC Day address, Ode to the Fallen and readings were delivered, national anthems sung and last respects paid, we convened for egg and bacon rolls, with some then engaging in a game of two-up afterwards, to be followed by the traditional AFL ANZAC match between Essendon and Collingwood. An indoor BBQ spit (again courtesy of Casey’s abominable weather) ensured that bellies remained full and content throughout the day. Our expeditioners shared individual Anzac Day-related historical moments, personal experiences and family recollections, inspired by the special stories delivered (during the service) from Terry Blyth (carpenter), Owen Horton (station supply officer) and Dean Ahern (winter Wilkins aerodrome manager).
Lest We Forget
Cheers, Dave Buller
