In order to pay tribute to former service members from Australia and New Zealand, large crowds are expected to congregate on the seashore in Weymouth.
The laying of wreaths in commemoration of Anzac Day is a tradition in Weymouth Town and will take place on Tuesday, April 25 at 11 a.m.
Day of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (also known as Anzac Day) is celebrated annually on April 25. It is a national day of commemoration in both countries to honor and commemorate former servicemen, as well as the anniversary of the beginning of the First World War, which began with the landings at Gallipoli.
The Mayor of Weymouth, Cllr Ann Weaving, Cllr Christine James, the Armed Forces Covenant Champion, veterans, Lt. Cdr. Kara Wansbury, Royal Australian Navy, and Lt. Cdr. James Williams, Royal New Zealand Navy, will congregate at the Anzac Memorial, which is situated on the beachfront directly across from the Hotel Prince Regent.
The Mayor of Weymouth, Cllr. Ann Weaving stated that it was an honor for her to lay a wreath at the memorial to memorialize the numerous Anzacs who came to Weymouth. It is located directly across from what was formerly known as Burdon’s Military Hospital and is now known as the Prince Regent Hotel. This is the location where injured service members were brought after being evacuated from the beaches of Gallipoli.
“In recognition of the sacrifices made by personnel of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, Tuesday’s service is open to the wider community to attend,” the statement read, “Tuesday’s service will be held.”
The Anzac Memorial can be found on the beachfront of Weymouth, and it serves as a memorial to the thousands of Australian and New Zealander voluntary service personnel who passed through Dorset’s camps and hospitals during the First World War, in between the battles that took place on the Western Front in Europe and those that took place in the Middle East.
During the disastrous war that took place in 1915, thousands of Anzac men and British allies lost their lives.
On June 1, 2005, a three-sided monolith memorial was inaugurated on the seashore of Weymouth, marking the occasion as the 90th anniversary of the arrival of the first Australian and New Zealand Army Corps Troops at Weymouth following their participation in the battle of Gallipoli in 1915.
Weymouth is the location of the burial grounds for ninety Anzac soldiers who passed away here.
Reverend Brian Ellis, Honorary Alderman, will preside over the service as it is being led by the Chaplain to the Mayor.
Attendance from members of the general public is encouraged.
