Today is ANZAC day. All across Australia and New Zealand there are dawn services and parades to remember those who died, not only at Gallipoli, but anywhere in service to their country.
In Adelaide there is a big parade of veterans, acting servicemen and relatives, remembering and giving thanks to those the served and still serve.
The parade is led by the greys of the mounted Police, the Police Band and the Flag bearers.
They are followed by representatives of Legacy, a charity supporting the families of veterans of all conflicts.
There are no veterans from WW1, and very few from WW2. Those that can, march proudly, and those that can't are pushed or driven in the parade. all proudly displaying their medals.
After the veterans, the serving armed forces march past, followed by the relatives of veterans unable to attend, some carrying mementos with them.
Interspersed in the groups of marchers are marching bands. Some are military bands, but mostly local brass bands and pipe and drum bands.
I noticed this year that some dogs were also included in the parade, with Guide Dogs, Working Dogs and Support Dogs all included.
The parade ends with members of the Barossa Light Horse Historical Association.
Today is a time of reflection and remembrance. For me, it is the first ANZAC day since my beloved wife Thelma Maryann passed away. We always tried to get to either a dawn service or the parade. It is also for remembering other members of my family who gave their lives for their country:
George Frederick Holbrook, Died 12 Aug 1915, age 23, at Gallipoli, Rifleman in the Hampshire Regiment.
Eric Raymond Holbrook, Died 12 Aug 1915, age 18, at Gallipoli, Lance Corporal in the Hampshire Regiment.
George and Eric were Uncle and Nephew.
Henry George Funnell, Died 28 Oct 1915, age 20, aboard HMS Hythe, off Gallipoli, Turkey , Sapper in the Royal Engineers
Alfred Victor Funnell(1), Died 28 Oct 1915, age 18, aboard HMS Hythe, off Gallipoli, Turkey , Driver in the Royal Engineers
Henry and Alfred were brothers.
William Albert Funnell, Died 28 Oct 1915, age 20, aboard HMS Hythe, off Gallipoli, Turkey , Sapper in the Royal Engineers
Frank Funnell, Died 28 Oct 1915, age 22, aboard HMS Hythe, off Gallipoli, Turkey , Sapper in the Royal Engineers
Henry, Alfred, William and Frank were all cousins.
Frank Crittenden, Died 28 Oct 1915, age 21, aboard HMS Hythe, off Gallipoli, Turkey , Sapper in the Royal Engineers
HMS Hythe, a troop carrier taking troops to the conflict, was accidentally rammed and sunk off the Gallipoli coast by HMS Sarnia with the loss of 155 lives including 5 of my relatives
Alfred Victor Funnell(2), Died 9 Oct 1916, age 18, Somme, Picardy, France, Private in the Queens Own Royal Kent Regiment
Alfred was also a cousin of Henry, Alfred, William and Frank.
Albert Edward Holbrook, Died 19 Apr 1917, age 23, Palestine, Rifleman in the Hampshire Regiment
Alexander Male, Died 1 Dec 1917, age 33, at Cambrai, Pas de Calais, Private in the Royal Tank Corps.
Harry Philip Holbrook, Died 12 Aug 1918, age 31, Borre, Pas de Calais, France, Sergeant in the Hampshire Regiment
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
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