The Anzac Day service at the Cenotaph, London (Photo: Centenary News)

Ceremonies mark Centenary Anzac Day

The Centenary Anzac Day has been marked with traditional dawn services and remembrance ceremonies.

Commemorations of the Gallipoli campaign began on April 25th 1916 – the first anniversary of the Allied landings on the Turkish peninsula.

100 years after Australian and New Zealand troops paraded for London’s inaugural Anzac Day, crowds gathered at the Cenotaph in Whitehall to watch wreaths being laid during a service attended by Prince Harry.

Services were also held at Gallipoli itself, as well as in Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, France and Ireland.

A reminder of the First World War Centenary at the New Zealand High Commission in London (Photo: Centenary News)

The Gallipoli campaign against the Ottoman Empire involved Allied forces from Britain, France, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, India and Newfoundland (now part of Canada)

But it holds special significance for Australia and New Zealand, as a key episode in shaping their national identities.

In 2016, both Australia and New Zealand are commemorating their first major actions on the Western Front.

Australia will hold ceremonies at Fromelles on July 19th and Pozières on July 23rd.

New Zealand will mark its involvement in the Battle of the Somme with a series of commemorative services at Longueval on September 15th.

Visit the Australian and New Zealand First World War Centenary websites for information about 2016 Western Front commemorations.

Images: Centenary News

Posted by CN Editorial Team