ANZAC DAY IN THE UK

On 25 April 1915 Australian and New Zealand forces landed on Gallipoli determined to take lead over the Ottoman Turkish defenders. Eight months through their campaign the allied forces of Australia and New Zealand were evacuated. Over 8,000 Australians were not to return home.

In 1916 the 25 April was officially named ANZAC Day (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) and saw the first commemorative services to honor those who had fallen. In 1916 over 2,000 Australian and New Zealand soldiers marched through the streets of London – one newspaper dubbing them ‘the knights of Gallipoli’.

Today, the ANZAC Day Services in London provide Australians and New Zealanders away from home the opportunity to commemorate those who have served and died in the service of their nation.

ANZAC DAY 2012 Wednesday, 25 April

ANZAC Day 2012 will be commemorated with the following services:

5.00am: DAWN SERVICE, NEW ZEALAND WAR MEMORIAL, HYDE PARK CORNER

This service is open to the public, is a non-ticket event and lasts approx 40mins.

11.00am: WREATH LAYING SERVICE, THE CENOTAPH, WHITEHALL

This is a non-ticket event but please carry photo ID for security checks

12.00noon: COMMEMORATIVE SERVICE, WESTMINSTER ABBEY

Complimentary tickets are required to attend this service and can be obtained from the Australian High Commission. Information will be posted on this webpage in February 2012 about how to apply for tickets.

For more information about ANZAC Day go the Department of Veteran's Affairs website