In a little over a week, Anzac Day falls on Saturday, 25 April 2026, with a public holiday on the following Monday. All services will take place on the Saturday.
In recent years, it has been wonderful to see so many people, young and old, pay their respects at ANZAC services to honour our fallen soldiers from both major conflicts.
There are several other groups worthy of remembrance on this day.
- Those military personnel who lost their lives in other theatres of war since the major wars e.g. Vietnam and other conflicts to which we have sent personnel.
- Those who were often emotionally, mentally, or physically traumatised and faced huge difficulties re-adjusting to civilian life. Many families bore the consequences.
- Those at home who stepped up as volunteers shouldered many additional responsibilities and hardships. The contribution of women to the workforce and military was remarkable, adding further burdens to many mothers.
- There were many groups who made major contributions to the war effort in many ways – businesses, charities, welfare groups, churches both within New Zealand and abroad.
- One group who operated offshore with incredible bravery was the Merchant Navy. Enemy aircraft and U-boats were acutely aware of the importance of the convoys’ cargo, tracking them relentlessly. When a ship was attacked, the convoy had to press on, often leaving crew behind in freezing water amid oil, flames, and burning debris. The Merchant Navy’s contribution to the war effort has never been adequately recognised. Without the supply line they maintained, troops overseas could not have been provisioned, yet the loss of ships and personnel was horrific.
- There were also those lost in recreational, commercial, or other non-combat incidents over the years. Some families never achieved closure as bodies were never recovered; they too deserve to be remembered.
- The role of animals in major conflicts should never be underestimated. My grandfather rode as a cavalryman in the Boer War and again in World War 1, and the bond between cavalry soldiers and their horses was legendary.
Horses navigated mud and difficult terrain, pulling artillery, ambulances, and wagons, and delivering messages. Many were killed by enemy fire, disease, or poison gas.
Over the years it has been gratifying to see that many artists, poets, films and documentaries have acknowledged the massive contribution horses made. A memorial in Hampstead has the inscription – “Most obedient and often the most painfully injured, they died – faithful unto death.”
Horses were brought from Australia, Canada, the USA, and New Zealand, as well as being requisitioned from British citizens. No horses under 15 hands (152 cm) were taken in Britain, as children were deeply concerned for their ponies’ welfare. It turned out, however, that the stockier smaller breeds proved more effective and were preferred by many units.
Perhaps the most harrowing moment came at the war’s end, when many horses were put down or sold to slaughterhouses rather than repatriated. Of the 136,000 horses shipped from Australia, only one was returned home. In New Zealand, I believe only officers were permitted to bring their horses back.
Dogs were used in a variety of roles across many conflicts. Trained to carry messages via cylinders attached to their collars, they could negotiate barbed wire with ease. They also carried water and medical supplies and ventured into No-man’s land to locate the wounded. The Swedish army used dogs and sledges for transport. On the home front, their heightened senses made them invaluable in search and rescue, and they were also used for pest control during trench warfare. More recently, dogs have been trained to locate landmines.
Of interest is the use of dogs as mascots. A planned remake of the film Dam Busters has generated controversy, as the squadron’s mascot was a black Labrador with a name now considered deeply offensive. The debate centres on whether to change the dog’s name to reflect current standards.
So, perhaps on ANZAC Day we can spare a thought for all these groups who made such incredible contributions. Let us continue the fine tradition of remembrance.
Please find the times and places of Anzac services on page 13, or check the TCDC website.
