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Anzac Day 2009

25 April 2009
OP Catalyst Secdet XIV

SECDET XIV soldiers braved the threat of insurgent attack to conduct a dawn Anzac Day service at Baghdad’s North Gate War Cemetery.

The SECDET soldiers had paused their usual duties of protecting Australian embassy staff in Baghdad to conduct the candle lit service, and were joined by representatives of NZ, UK, US and Iraqi militaries.

Commander JTF633 MAJGEN Mark Kelly said Anzac Day embodied a uniquely Australian spirit.

“The term Anzac comes from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps,” MAJGEN Kelly said.

“However, I feel the term Anzac has transcended the physical meaning to become a sprit; an inspiration that embodies the qualities of courage, discipline, sacrifice, self reliance, and in Australian terms, mateship and a fair go.”

The catafalque party, comprised of troopers from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment and infantry of the 5th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, mounted their post by the light of Surefire torches.

Forty-one Australian and seven NZ WWI servicemen are buried in the cemetery, including three submariners from the AE2, which was sunk in the Dardanelles shortly after the Gallipoli landings.

Some of those buried at North Gate had been killed in action, but most died from illness or while in captivity as prisoners of the Turks.

The Australian ambassador to Iraq, Mr Robert Tyson praised soldiers, sailors and airmen serving overseas.

“Our thoughts go out to Australian service men and service women who are today and everyday helping to safeguard this piece through their participation in coalition operations and UN peace keeping missions around the world,” Mr Tyson said.

As dawn broke over the dilapidated grounds, neglected after years of war and economic hardship, a US Army bugler, wrapped in body armour as were most of the attending guests, sounded the last post.

Dogs barked in the streets and roosters crowed as the grey light filled the cemetery.

The vigilant SECDET soldiers patrolled the rows of headstones for any threats to those gathered to honour their fallen predecessors.

The SECDET soldiers had also beautified their compound, ‘the Cove’, in Baghdad’s International Zone, in anticipation of the day.

The Diggers painted concrete blast walls with Anzac Day themes.

Fine Arts graduate CPL Troy Harvey added his professional touch to two tribute, one to VC winners and the second to The Ode.

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Commander Joint Task Force 633, Major General Mark Kelly AO, addresses the gathering of Australians and Coalition forces for ANZAC DAY 2009 held at North Gate War Cemetery in Baghdad.

(Date taken: 25 April 2009)
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Members of SECDET XIV stand at attention before raising the National Flags of Australia, France, New Zealand, Turkey and England for ANZAC Day in Baghdad, Iraq.

(Date taken: 25 April 2009)
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Members of SECDET XIV provided the Catafalque Party for ANZAC Day in Baghdad Iraq.

(Date taken: 25 April 2009)
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Officer Commanding (OC) SECDET XIV Major James Davis recites "The Ode" at the 2009 ANZAC DAY service held at North Gate War Cemetery in Baghdad Iraq.

(Date taken: 25 April 2009)
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SECDET XIV Troop Sergeant, Sergeant James Lloyd quietly reflects at the head stone of Trooper H.G May of the 9th Light Horse, who died in September 1917, aged 26.

(Date taken: 25 April 2009)
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SECDET XIV members Corporal Jarrod Philbey(L) (2nd Cavalry Regiment) and Private Jeremy Johnson (R) (5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment) lay a wreath in honour of all service members that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

(Date taken: 25 April 2009)
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SECDET XIV members Corporal Jarrod Philbey(L) (2nd Cavalry Regiment) and Private Jeremy Johnson (R) (5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment) lay a wreath in honour of all service members that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

(Date taken: 25 April 2009)
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A SECDET XIV soldier patrols near the 48 Australian and New Zealand servicemen buried at the Baghdad, North Gate War Ceremony.

(Date taken: 25 April 2009)
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