ANZAC departure commemorations in Albany, WA

“From this place, on this day a century ago, thousands of Australian and New Zealand servicemen departed on what many considered a great adventure. For the first time our nations were to contribute on a large scale to major world events.”

So began the commemorative service in Albany, in the far south tip of Western Australia, on Saturday 1 November. It was here that in 1914, some 27,000 troops from the two countries set sail in a convoy of 40 ships, heading for the war in Europe, though in fact their first action was at Gallipoli. Given the tragedies they endured there, the weekend’s events were more a matter of reflection than celebration.

Up to 70,000 people poured into this pretty coastal town for the event, more than double its normal population. Among them were Prime Ministers Tony Abbot and John Key. In their remarks both referred to the impact that the ANZAC experience had had in forging the identity of the two young, newly independent nations, and the enduring friendship that persists between two close neighbours and allies.

There was a march through the streets of Albany by serving military and veterans, with the pomp and circumstance that the military do so well. Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove, himself a decorated war hero, took the salute. Then we attended a moving ceremony at the shoreside ANZAC Peace Park. I felt privileged to lay a wreath on behalf of the United Kingdom. Finally we attended the opening of the new National Anzac Centre, a stunning museum perched atop Mt Adelaide with far reaching views of the beautiful harbour, which a hundred years ago sheltered all those ships full of expectant Australian and Kiwi servicemen.

Whilst in WA I took the opportunity to call on the new Governor, the Hon Kerry Sanderson, who has just assumed office as the first female governor of the state, after a career as a senior public servant and businesswoman. I knew Kerry well already from her time as WA’s Agent General in London. I am sure she will be a great governor of her state.