Remembering the ANZAC’s: A Tribute from Thimphu
It wasn't dawn on the 25th of April, but at 2 pm on Saturday, the 27th of April 2024, 14 Aussies and Kiwis gathered in Thimphu, Bhutan, to pay tribute to our ANZACs. In a foreign land, amidst the serenity of the Himalayas, we came together to remember the bravery and sacrifice of those who have served our nations, in times of peace or conflict.
While war is never a cause for celebration, we gathered to acknowledge the unwavering courage of our servicemen and women, their courage, and sacrifice. Just as our Aussie and Kiwi diggers formed bonds on the distant shores of Gallipoli, so too did we in the heart of Bhutan.
Words spoken during the service reminded us of two pivotal dates - the 25th of April, 1915, when thousands of Australian and New Zealand soldiers landed at Anzac Cove. And the 20th of December, 1915, when the last Anzac troops departed Gallipoli. Not one life was lost in the carefully orchestrated departure, a testament to the ingenuity and camaraderie of our troops.
As butter lamps were lit in remembrance and thoughts were offered for peace, the ode was recited in both English and Maori, honouring our shared heritage. The haunting notes of the Last Post carried out over the city of Thimphu as a moving poem concluded the service, echoing the sentiments of gratitude and respect.
Afterwards, amidst homemade Anzac biscuits, lamingtons, and snot blocks (a true Aussie delicacy!), we continued to cherish the spirit of mateship and remembrance that binds our two nations together as ANZACs. No matter where in the world we may find ourselves, will remember them...
Lest we forget. 🇦🇺🇳🇿
Bhutan ANZAC Service
Speech by David Gibson
I want to begin by asking you to reflect on two significant dates that have shaped the collective memory of our two nations, Australia and New Zealand.
Firstly, April 25, 1915, a day etched in history when 16,000 Australian and New Zealand soldiers landed on the shores of Anzac Cove on the Gallipoli peninsula during the First World War. A day of both anticipation and trepidation as for the vast majority of those diggers it marked their first experience of combat.
As the sun rose that fateful morning, bravery and sacrifice mingled with the salt-laden air, over 2,000 lives were lost, their bodies are now forever intertwined with the rugged landscape of Gallipoli in the Commonwealth War cemeteries scattered along the peninsular.
The Gallipoli campaign, though ultimately ending in military failure, bore witness to the emergence of enduring qualities—bravery, ingenuity, endurance, and mateship—qualities that continue to shape our respective national characters to this day.
But that brings me to the second date. Let us not forget December 20, 1915, the day the last Anzac troops departed Gallipoli in a carefully orchestrated act of deception. Amidst the clatter of self-firing guns rigged to take pot-shots, there were camp fires lit to give the impression of there being more soldiers than there were.
Even the day before, the Australians and New Zealanders played a game of cricket to keep up appearances that everything was normal – I couldn’t find the final score so let’s just say the Aussies won! By 4.30am on the 20th December everyone had left. And not one life was lost.
Today, as we gather here in Bhutan, we join with all those around the world who have paid homage to those who have served. While war itself is never a cause for celebration, the bravery of those who serve their country, in times of peace or conflict, is what we acknowledge.
We honour the legacy of those who have gone before us, their courage and sacrifice.
As we bow our heads in solemn tribute, let us never forget the debt we owe to those who have served.
Today, and every day, we will remember them... Lest We Forget.
