Today marks the national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, that commemorates those who have died serving their country in war and peacetime. Originally ANZAC Day just honoured the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC), who fought in Gallipolli during the First World War, one of the bloodiest battles of the war, but has since been broadened to include other service men and women in later conflicts. 

Commemorations began at dawn in both countries, with a service marking the landing of the ANZAC at Gallipolli, in modern day Turkey. Just like the Battle of Vimy Ridge for Canada, the Gallipolli campaign marks the post-colonial emergence of Australia and New Zealand from the British Empire. As such, many people travel to Gallipolli each year to mark ANZAC Day on the 25 April.

Commemorations continue throughout the day with parades held in several cities, including Sydney, and the laying of poppy wreaths at war memorials throughout both countries. For those of you staying at the club, a wreath laying at Hyde Park Corner, home to the Australia and New Zealand War Memorials, and the Cenotaph on Whitehall, will take place today.

As 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, ROSL will be creating a special Memories exhibition towards the end of the year, which will bring together recollections of the family and friends of ROSL members who have fought for their country from the First World War to the present day. To read one man's story of his return to his father's grave in Normandy, turn to page 22 of the latest edition of Overseas, or click here to read online

Whether it’s photos, letters, official documents or a retelling of what happened, we want to hear about the part your loved ones played in these monumental pieces of history. To submit something to the War Time Memories collection either email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or post them to Jessica-Harris Edwards, ROSL Marketing, Over-Seas House, St James’s, London, SW1A 1LR. Please only send scanned or copies documents and photos.

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