Anzac Day, 25 April, is one of Australia and New Zealand’s most important national occasions.
It commemorates the anniversary of the landing of soldiers from Australia and New Zealand, the Anzacs, on the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915.
The campaign in Turkey cost the lives of some 8,000 Anzacs. On the anniversary, all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations and the contribution and suffering of all those who have served are remembered.
In Aberdeen, the occasion featured during the morning service at St Machar’s Cathedral, conducted by Rev Sarah Brown, on Sunday 24 April.
With COVID restrictions still very much in mind during preparations this year, events on the day were restricted. Robert Gordon’s College School Captain, Otaki Scholar (The Otaki Shield – Robert Gordon’s College, and Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for the city of Aberdeen, Sgt Anish S, read the lessons during the service. CCF Contingent Commander Wg Cdr Dan Montgomery also attended, representing the College.
The College is grateful to organisers Dr Alan Fenwick and Col Roger Jagger for the invitation to participate, continuing the tradition of the Otaki Scholar playing a significant part in the service and acknowledging the close link between the College and New Zealand.
In past years, Robert Gordon’s College CCF has played a prominent role in the Aberdeen event as shown in the photograph from 2019 (below) through, for example, parading its banner, laying a wreath and providing pipers and ushers.
