Defence

General Orders

"At the going down of the sun..."

Gen Peter Cosgrove, Chief of the Defence Force

 

This ANZAC Day we commemorated the 90th anniversary of the landing by members of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) on the Gallipoli Peninsula. The ANZACs who assaulted the shores of Gallipoli left an indelible mark on our national character. In a last message before the landing from their commanding officer, Lieutenant General Sir William Birdwood, the ANZACs were told that what they were about to do would 'go down in history to the glory of the soldiers of Australia and New Zealand'. Their efforts were glorious but what their sacrifice inspired on that rugged peninsula transcended any reasonable notions of duty and service. Against brave and determined Turkish soldiers, they showed steadfastness, courage and above all mateship and support to each other in the emotional and physical stress of war.

Gallipoli is synonymous with the Australian digger but the brave exploits of the RAN shouldn't be forgotten. Australian submarine AE2 was the first allied warship to breach the Dardanelles and members of the 1st RAN Bridging Train were the last Australians to leave Gallipoli.

The term ANZACs emerged from the combined Army Corps it described but has come to epitomise the ADF and the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) commitment to service and sacrifice. Today the men and women of the ADF continue to build on the attributes demonstrated by those original ANZACs. The pride we feel in the efforts of those who have gone before us gives us courage in the face of danger. Our notion of ANZAC reminds us to always put the welfare of our mates and the team ahead of personal comfort and safety. And it summons up the best elements of our character in the toughest situations.

The ANZAC spirit is very much alive and well in the ADF. This spirit has been demonstrated recently through our work on Operation Sumatra Assist, the largest humanitarian assistance mission ever performed by the ADF. Together with a C130 detachment and a medical team from the New Zealand Defence Force, the ADF's mission in Indonesia was a true ANZAC effort.

This spirit has also been demonstrated on other operations where the cheerfulness, professionalism, dedication, initiative and tremendous mateship of our people marks them as being in the front rank of military forces anywhere in the world. The operational environments are demonstrably different, but the way our people face the challenges of each is very much in the true spirit of the ANZACs. Wherever our people stand - be it here at home training to be ready to protect the nation's interests and safety, or abroad, away from loved ones and the comforts and safety of home - they are united in that unique commitment to put their service to the nation ahead of themselves, to accept the risk and hardship as a matter of course.

I had the great honour of helping to represent Australia at this year's ANZAC services at Gallipoli. Prior to my arrival, I was overwhelmed by the thought of treading on the hallowed ground where many great ANZACs stood. It was an enormously significant moment for me as it was the first time I'd been to Gallipoli after more than 40 years of serving in the ADF.

During the last 40 years I have marched in ANZAC Day parades and attended services. It is very uplifting and heartening to march in these parades and to see so many Australians watch and support Australian servicemen and women - both past and present.

Just like many Australians, ANZAC Day for me was a time of affirmation and commemoration. Affirmation of the values Australians stand for: those of community, compassion, courage and good-humoured resilience. It was also a time for commemoration of the wonderful men and women who have served our nation. Personally, I am always fortified and uplifted to remember the past legions of men and women who patiently, loyally and professionally served and sacrificed - the people who passed the baton of knowledge, dedication and standards to those who serve today. The contribution of old warriors over decades past has been crucial to developing the ADF's ability to respond so professionally to our current challenges.

As we remember those magnificent Australians who are now legends from previous conflicts and crisis, I always think of the men and women of Defence who are working hard all over the world representing our country. You serve in the fine tradition of earlier generations. Your predecessors in uniform would be proud of you, just as I am proud of you.

Anzac Day was particularly poignant this year as we paused and remembered those colleagues who recently lost their lives on Nias Island on Operation Sumatra Assist and in the Solomon Islands on Operation Anode.

In the true spirit of the Services they will not be forgotten. Their legacy will indeed continue to strengthen the ethos and foundations of the ANZAC spirit, forged 90 years ago.

Lest we forget.

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