25th April 2009

Gallipoli Day, London

The Association was well represented at events in London on 25th April 2009.

At 0930hrs, the chairman was amongst a number of VIPs who laid wreathes at the Gallipoli Memorial plaque in the crypt at St Paul's Cathedral.

Later, more than 40 members paraded at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, joining a range of veterans and members of the ANZAC forces, as well as representatives of HM Government and the Government of Turkey.

Association members at attention during the Cenotaph parade. The ceremony was led by Principal Air Chaplain Earl.	New member Carole Sach and her husband Steve. Carole wears the representative medals of her Grandfather, who fell at Lone Pine.

The clement weather drew a crowd of several hundreds, who witnessed the laying of wreaths and the reading of prayers.

At 1200hrs, the Anzac Day service in Westminster Abbey took place, attended by representatives from diverse organisations and nations, again including a contingent of the Gallipoli Association. 

At the conclusion of the service, members made the short walk through Whitehall to the Civil Service Club, where a formal lunch was enjoyed.

The Chairman, pictured right, read responses received to loyal telegrams sent to HRH The Queen and to HRH Prince Philip and called on the company to share in the toasts, concluding with that to veterans of the campaign.