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The New Zealand Defence Force says it’s in a “good position” to carry out their ceremonial roles in the Gallipoli Anzac Day dawn service.
It comes after their contingent’s luggage, containing instruments and uniforms, were lost in transit during the Dubai floods last week, putting its role in the dawn service up in the air for the first time in history.
In a statement tonight, NZDF Gallipoli lead John McLeod said contingent members who don’t have ceremonial roles have “generously given their uniform items to those that do”.
“With a bit of swapping and resizing we have got there,” McLeod said.
“Efforts by New Zealand Embassy staff in Ankara managed to retrieve some of the luggage on Tuesday evening [Türkiye time], but it included just one band instrument and some dress uniforms,” McLeod said in an earlier statement.
McLeod said the Australian Defence Force had been “very supportive” and had loaned a bugle to the New Zealand bugler for the Last Post. It will also provide a band at Chunuk Bair for the New Zealand service.
“All our team, including those without uniforms will participate in the Chunuk Bair service.
“It has been a case of coming up with solutions to each problem and the contingent have done this really well collectively. Morale is high and we have a very positive attitude towards making the commemorations a fitting tribute to those who have walked this ground before us.”
Earlier, McLeod said efforts to source instruments in Turkey proved very difficult.
The drummer has been learning how to make the official drum beat from two spoons from the cutlery drawer.
“It is disappointing for everyone but we are determined to ensure our Chunuk Bair service honours those who fought here at Gallipoli,” McLeod said.
“Our outstanding vocalist, Lance Corporal Bryony Williams will sing anthems without accompaniment and we have a guitar to support our Māori Cultural group in singing waiata. We are grateful for the support of the Australian Defence Force in helping deliver our service.”
The uniforms in particular were needed to follow protocol and show respect on the day. Those who hold weapons could not do so without their uniform on.
McLeod said it has been an “emotional and reflective experience” for the contingent, with many of them having a special connection to Gallipoli.
The Chunuk Bair service which follows the main Anzac service will still go ahead.
The NZ Army Band. Photo / NZ Defence Force
Newshub correspondent Lisette Reymer told Morning Report there was “a lot of panic” in Gallipoli among the New Zealand contingent.
RSA chief executive Marty Donoghue said the personnel involved will be devastated.
“Tā Wayne Shelford [national president] is over there representing us and the preparation that he had to do to get himself there - so I’m just imagining the amount of work that went in, the amount of personal sacrifice that went in to prepare the contingent to get over there.
“This will be absolutely gut-wrenching for them.”
However, he believed the Defence Force would be able to find a way to make sure it can still commemorate Anzac Day meaningfully.
