Albany remembers the departing troops,100 years on

Albany remembers the departing troops,100 years on

Tens of thousands of people today paid their respects to the 30,000 Australian and New Zealand troops who departed Albany’s shores 100 years ago to the day on 38 transport and four naval escort ships.

Approximately 700 current and ex-servicemen including the troops from the seven Navy Ships participating in the Symbolic Departure, marched along Albany’s York Street, cheered on by the crowds adorned with poppies and flags.

Navy, Army and Air Force Cadets carried signs representing the Australian and International Naval ships as well as the battalions and regiments from Australia and New Zealand that departed from Albany on 1 November 1914.

Albany was the rendezvous point for ships carrying the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) and New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF), which would later become collectively known as the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (Anzac).

Three West Australian Second World War veterans participating in the Troop March were presented today with France’s highest honour, the Legion of Honour.

Thomas Lofthouse from Bunbury and brothers Eric and Murray Maxton from Albany were presented their medals by Senator Michael Ronaldson and Minister of Defence of the French Republic, Mr Jean-Yves Le Drian.

Wreaths were laid during a Commemorative Service at Anzac Peace Park on the Princess Royal Harbour by Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia Peter Cosgrove, Governor of Western Australia Kerry Sanderson and Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett.

The new $10.6million National Anzac Centre in the Albany Heritage Park was officially opened this afternoon by the Prime Ministers and the Premier. The Centre is Australia’s foremost museum dedicated solely to honouring the Anzacs of the First World War.

Visitors to the Centre will experience a deeply personal account of 30 Anzacs – and two of their foes – across the renowned Battlefields of Gallipoli, the Palestine, Sinai and the Western front.

From atop Mt Adelaide and Mt Clarence, within the Albany Heritage Park, and along the coast, crowds gathered to watch the Symbolic Departure of Naval Ships – a re-enactment of the original troop ship convoy.

The HMAS Sirius, HMAS Anzac, HMAS Arunta, HMAS Stuart, JDS Kirisame, and HMNZS Te Kaha performed a sail past in King George Sound.

Finishing the full program of commemorative events is a free outdoor Community Concert using the combined force of more than 100 musicians, including celebrated folk/rock band The Waifs, one of the country’s finest singer-songwriters Dan Sultan, and ethereal singer-songwriter Katie Noonan.

They are performing alongside members of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO), the Royal Australian Navy Band, New Zealand Defence Force Maori Cultural Group, and members of the Albany community.

The program includes classical favourites The Lark Ascending and the highly emotional Adagio for Strings, traditional Maori songs and hymns of hope, Katie Noonan singing Hallelujah, hometown favourites The Waifs singing Lighthouse andLondon Still and Dan belting out hits including High Street Riot, the night is a fitting finale to an day of reflection and tribute.

Anzac Albany commemorative events wrap up tomorrow with the Naval Ship Open Day, Nurses Memorial Service, and a friendly footy match between the Albany Sharks football club and a combined Navy team at Collingwood Park.

The Anzac Albany commemorative events are being hosted and delivered by the Commonwealth Government through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Australian Defence Force, the Western Australian Government, City of Albany and the Returned and Services League WA Branch.

For a full program of Anzac Albany events, visit www.anzacalbany.com.au, call the information line on 1300 765 531, visit the Albany Public Library or Albany Visitor Centre, or find Anzac Albany on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or download the Anzac Albany app (iPhone and Android).

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