Australian and New Zealand troops played a vital role and sustained heavy casualties throughout the First World War.
And, despite the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, armed forces charity Legion Scotland will broadcast a ‘virtual’ service online to commemorate ANZAC and Gallipoli Day this Saturday.
The event usually takes place at the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle, and provides a touching show of comradeship and remembrance to all those who fought at Gallipoli against the Ottoman Empire during the First World War.
ANZAC Day was originally devised to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. It now represents a day when Antipodeans remember the sacrifices made in all conflicts.
Legion Scotland will record footage of its chief executive and the National Padre laying wreaths and poppy crosses at Comely Bank cemetery, in Edinburgh.
The service will be conducted by Rev Dr Karen Campbell and Legion Scotland branches have also been asked to send in video footage of their standard bearers paying their respects so these can be incorporated into the footage.
ANZAC Day services normally commence at dawn, coinciding with the moment the troops landed on the Gallipoli peninsula in April 1915.
Saturday’s broadcast will begin at 5:42am, via Legion Scotland’s Facebook and Twitter channels, and will be available for the public to view again at any time thereafter.
The Australian and New Zealand Consulates will be sending out their own content to complement what Legion Scotland has done.
Dr Claire Armstrong, the organisation’s chief executive said: “I believe it is important for people to know that even in lockdown we are able to create an alternative way to pay our respects and to bring people together virtually on the 25th April to commemorate ANZAC Day.
“I would like to thank all who are participating in the virtual service and to those that have provided footage for us to use.”
She added: “As the custodians of Remembrance in Scotland, our involvement in services of commemoration like these is so important and allows all members of our communities to join together to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, or who returned from battles in foreign lands with life-changing injuries.
“We will remember them and, even during this unprecedented pandemic, our enduring message of comradeship comes very much to the fore.”
The pictures in this story were taken at a previous Anzac Day memorial service.