Our People in Tasmania
Ed Hodge - Nierinna
Nierinna residents William and Brenda Hodge will have something special to watch on TV this ANZAC Day.
Their son Ed, 24, will be part of the official Australia’s Federation Guard contingent in ANZAC Cove at Gallipoli. The ceremony will be transmitted later in the day as it happens at dawn Turkish time.
The Hobart College graduate was an Army Cadet for years before he joined the Australian Army full-time in 2005.
“The biggest reason for joining was my family history,” said Ed.
“I had five relatives at Gallipoli in the 15th Battalion and two were killed, while the other side of the family fought in France. Being in the Army is like being in the family business.
“I had known about the Guard since cadets, so after four years with my battalion, I volunteered.
“I mainly go around Australia representing the Guard, and the Australian Defence Force at ceremonies and events — including the Hobart Show!
“But we also go overseas. So far, I have been to ceremonies in Papua New Guinea twice - once to rebury Australian War dead, and the second time to present the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels with their medallions.
“I have also been to Fromelles in France for a reinterment ceremony for a WW1 digger recently found in an unmarked grave.
“This ANZAC Day I will be part of the Catafalque Party at ANZAC Cove and later at Lone Pine.
“It’s going to be pretty emotional, but I’ll be bringing home good memories to share,” said Ed.