Gallipoli Association member Michael D. Robson provides the following account of the two recent services held at the Beersheba War Cemetery and the British War Cemetery, Ramleh, where the Gallipoli Association were represented and laid wreaths.

Writing in his 'War Memoirs' Vol. II, David Lloyd George recalled his 1917 interview with General Allenby before the latter left London to take up his new post as Commander-in-Chief of the E.E.F. The Prime Minister informed the General that "the Cabinet expected 'Jerusalem before Christmas'". General Allenby delivered, and on time. Moreover, it is notable that Allenby did so with a force to which Gallipoli veterans contributed in no small measure. These included several Yeomanry regiments, plus the 10th, 52nd, 53rd and 54th Divisions, as well as elements of the Australia & New Zealand Army Corps, which after their evacuation from the peninsula to Egypt, were reunited with their horses and went on to form the Australia & New Zealand Mounted Division.

The season of remembrance in the Holy Land began with the commemoration of the success of that latter force in the capture of the vital wells at Beersheba on 31st October 1917. The Gallipoli Association was pleased to accept the invitation of H. E. Neil Hawkins, Australian Ambassador to Israel, to join in the Service of Remembrance at Beersheba War Cemetery on 1st November. Despite the hot sun in this shadeless cemetery there was an excellent turn out for the service, and everyone welcomed the generous hospitality of the Australians, not least their provision of iced water and fans.

Wreaths Laid at the Beersheba War Cemetery

Addresses were given by the Australian Ambassador, the Deputy Vice Mayor of Beersheba Dr. H. Zohar and the embassy's Ms. G. Swan. Wreaths were laid, including one on behalf of the Gallipoli Association. Prayers were led by Rabbi Even David, and the blessing was given by the Rev. Joanna Oakley Levstein of St. Andrew's Church. The service was conducted by the Defence Attaché Group Captain Janine Fetchik CSC, who was ably supported by members of the Australian army's contingent to the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO).

A week later, on 8th November 2026, the British Ambassador, H. E. Simon Walters CMG, hosted the annual Service of Remembrance and Dedication at the British War Cemetery, Ramleh. In the short passing of that week the seasons changed here and although rain threatened, thankfully it held off for the service.

Wreaths Laid at the British War Cemetery, Ramleh

The British Defence Attaché, Col. William Colquhoun led the service, assisted by a piper (Flowers of the Forest) and bugler (the Last Post and Reveille). The ambassador read from St. Matthew's gospel. Capt. André J.F. Boisjoli C.D., (Canadian navy) read 'In Flanders' Fields' by Lt. Col. John McCrae, and Gp. Capt. Janine Fetchik C.S.C., (Australian air force) led the remembering with lines from Lawrence Binyon's 'For the Fallen'.

Gallipoli Association Wreath with Others at the British War Cemetery, Ramleh

Prayers and the Blessing were given by Father Abdel Masih Fahim and the Rev. Fares E. Naoum, and a Cantor, kindly provided by the IDF's CGS, read from the Book of Psalms. Once again, the Gallipoli Association were proud to lay a wreath remembering all who served.

Note: Photographs kindly provided by Michael D. Robson and Barry Levinson.