ANZAC Day 2026

It's been a couple of years since I last attended the ANZAC Day parade through Adelaide.   The parade is opened by the Greys of the South Australian Police, followed by their band and the flag party.

There are no veterens left from World War One, and very few from World War Two, but veterans from more recent conflicts were very well represented.  

It is both moving and uplifting to see these old mates proudly displaying their and their relative's medals.

The groups of veterans are supported by marching bands and some vehicles for the less mobile.

I was nearly caught out by the RAAF P-8 Poseidon Flypast.   It usually comes from the North along King William Street, but today it came from the West.

The March also displays our current serving men and women from the Royal Australian Navy, The Australian Army and the Royal Australian Air Force.

And at the rear, the Barossa Light Horse Historical Association, commemorating the 8th and 19th Light Horse Regiments who saw action in both World Wars.

Today is a time of reflection and remembrance, and 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.