More than a century after Australian and New Zealand forces landed at Gallipoli, the Anzac spirit of mateship, shared sacrifice and allied integration remains a cornerstone of military service. 

Today, that legacy continues on at Camp Humphreys in the Republic of Korea, where personnel from the Australian Defence Force and New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) work side by side under the United Nations Command (UNC) mission.

Deployed on Operation Linesmen (Australia) and Operation Monitor (New Zealand), these service members contribute to the enforcement of the 1953 Armistice Agreement. 

As Anzac Day approaches, personnel deployed far from home reflect on the enduring bond between the two nations and the profound meaning of the commemoration.

NZDF officer deployed as the Assistant Joint Duty Officer within the United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission (UNCMAC), Captain Kendyl Findlay, said: "The commemoration provides acknowledgement of the burden and sacrifice of those who have gone before us, and the responsibility we have to uphold their legacy.”

"Working alongside Australian counterparts is easy; we share a driven work ethic, our sense of humour is similar, and there is a high level of camaraderie within the office.

"It highlights why the Anzac bonds have lasted throughout history."

'Anzac Day to me is a day to remember our armed forces both then and now. We wouldn’t be what we are now if it wasn’t for their sacrifice and service.'

Captain James Bonney, Commander of the Australian Contingent deployed on Operation Linesmen, echoed this sentiment. Serving as the UNCMAC Mine Action Staff Officer and UNC Assistant Engineer, he values the interoperability that comes from working alongside his ‘Kiwi mates’ and other international partners.

"I am lucky to work with a very large swathe of international colleagues across all 18 member states," Captain Bonney said. 

"It has been an amazing opportunity to gain experience alongside our partner forces and broaden my understanding on how a joint-combined 4-star headquarters functions in a foreign country.

“It is about mateship, service to something bigger than the individual and a time to be proud of what we have achieved together."

Integration is also a key focus for Lance Corporal Jordan Weaver, an NZDF soldier serving in the UNC Honour Guard.

"I wanted to deploy on Operation Monitor to integrate with other militaries, build my professional skills, and experience South Korea," Lance Corporal Weaver said. 

"Observing how other nations train compared to the New Zealand Army directly improves my proficiency as a soldier."

'Working alongside Australian counterparts is easy; we share a driven work ethic, our sense of humour is similar, and there is a high level of camaraderie within the office.'

Able Seaman Sara Ridjic, a maritime personnel operator in the Royal Australian Navy, is currently serving as a UNC Honour Guard soldier. Her daily activities range from ceremonial representation across the peninsula to hands-on weapons training. 

"Some highlights have been shooting the M320 American grenade launcher, learning different weapons I wouldn’t have access to in Australia and participating in the Danish Contingent March,” Able Seaman Ridjic said.

"Anzac Day to me is a day to remember our armed forces both then and now. We wouldn’t be what we are now if it wasn’t for their sacrifice and service."

As these four service members stand watch in the Republic of Korea, the Anzac spirit remains as vital and enduring as ever, forged in history and proven in the missions of today.