High Country Times
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
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DAWN TRIBUTE: Riders carrying Australian and New Zealand flags make their solemn ascent at Merrijig’s ANZAC Day service, accompanied by a riderless horse draped in purple poppies - a moving symbol of the animals that served alongside soldiers in war. The purple poppy rug was lovingly crafted by the Mansfield CWA and the Monday Ladies of the Library. PHOTO: Amanda Swaney
Lest we forget Hundreds gather across Mansfield Shire for ANZAC Day, marking 110 years since Gallipoli By LYNN ELDER MORE than a century after Gallipoli, Mansfield’s commitment to honouring fallen comrades including 10 local men - and those still serving remains strong, with hundreds attending ANZAC Day services across the shire last Friday. Dawn services were well attended, and the Mansfield march and 10am service attracted a large crowd along Highett Street. Despite forecasts of rain, it was a mild morning and dry
conditions prevailed. As dawn broke over the surrounding hills, the first light served as a reminder that even in times of war and conflict, hope can overcome darkness. A large crowd gathered at the Mansfield Menin Gates for the moving 30-minute service. Mansfield RSL Sub-Branch president Ken Thompson set the scene in his introduction. “At dawn on 25 April 1915, 17,000 allied forces landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula at ANZAC
Cove with the hopes of securing the Dardanelles and allowing the Imperial Fleet to reach Constantinople,” he said. “This was the first major military campaign for soldiers from Australia and New Zealand. “They fought side by side despite the terrible conditions. “The spirit of the Anzacs was born at Gallipoli. “It is the spirit which makes men and women stick together.” David Bock, ex-Royal Australian Navy and Mansfield RSL member,
conducted the morning prayer. The dawn service address was delivered by Mansfield’s Bill Cummins - a former United Nations Peacekeeper and local RSL member - reflecting on the 110th anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli. “When dawn arrived, the Turks could view the landing and commenced firing,” Mr Cummins said. “Time and time again the ANZACs tried to climb the cliffs but were unsuccessful. “The Turkish artillery attack was devastating, with shrapnel
taking many casualties. “The bodies could not be buried, flies caused dysentery, wounded soldiers received poor treatment due to inadequate facilities, drinking water was scarce, food was poor, and the death toll climbed alarmingly. “Eleven thousand ANZACs had been killed when it was decided to evacuate from Gallipoli in December 1915.” ■ Continued page 14 ■ See pages 10, 14 and 15 for full ANZAC Day coverage
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