The Gallipoli Association group consisted of 25 of us which was the largest number representing the Association ever. We included two from Australia, one from America, and the rest from all over the UK, Hampshire, Cambridgeshire, Surrey, Sussex, West Midlands, to name just a few. We all met on Horse Guards Parade before setting off to Whitehall where we joined the ranks of the column for civilians.

Gallipoli Association Marchers

Unfortunately, our position meant we were quite a distance from the Cenotaph itself and not close to any of the large screens which made it difficult to see and even less able to hear.

At 11.00 am the two-minute Silence began on the first stroke of Big Ben and the end of the Silence was marked by The Last Post.

Wreaths were then laid by the King, Queen Camilla's equerry, Prince William, Prince Edward, Princess Anne and an equerry for the Duke of Kent, followed by various other dignitaries.

Wreaths of the Royal Family on the Cenotaph

The Archbishop of Canterbury offered up a prayer before the hymn "O God, our help in ages past" was sung.

This was then followed with another prayer and the Lord's Prayer. The service finished with a blessing before the National Anthem.

After more wreaths were laid by the High Commissioners, Commonwealth countries and others, the march off began with the long march back to Horse Guards.

Four Views of the Gallipoli Association Wreath

A group photo was taken before we split up, with 16 of us heading to the Admiralty Public House at Trafalgar Square for some well-earned refreshments, and the rest heading for their journey home.

Hester Huttenbach

Gallipoli Association Trustee, Events Coordinator and Quartermaster

Note: Photos kindly provided by Hester Huttenbach and Sophie Lawton.