ANZAC DAY

We were up at 5am to watch the Dawn Service at Anzac Cove live on TV screen in the lounge area. For awhile we thought the TV satellite was going to give up the ghost, but luckily it kept going. It was very emotional especially the last post and anthems.

After that service ended, we went up on to the top deck and held our own service. (THE WEATHER WAS PERFECT - VERY MILD). On board our ship are 2 historians - Ret. Rear Admiral Peter Briggs (the man who has done all the work on the AE2 submarine) and Fmr Squadron Leader Hugh Dolan. With these two, plus two other passengers from our boat we held a service "A Personalised view of What Anzac means to Them". Our shipboard friend, Del, from Melbourne and I happened to have poems with us, so we were able to read them as part of this service.

Last night 12 New Zealanders joined us, as their Anzac plans all went wrong, and APT allowed

Watching TV service

 

Our own service on top deck

NZ  Bgler

Sunrise over Cannakle

Looking at Gallipoli Peninsular from Cannakle in Dardenelles.

 

them to come on board with us overnight. BUT ... how lucky were we, as one of the NZ's had his bugle with him. He played the Last Post and Navy Revallie which was fantastic ... many thought he played better than the bugler at the Dawn Service at Anzac Cove!

We are now back in our cabin showering and resting from our early morning.

We hope you enjoyed your respective Anzac Day services.

SPECIAL MESSASGE FOR ISOBEL: Happy 12th Birthday darling girl. Hope youu have a great day.

ELAINE: Peter West phoned this morning - he and Jane both well and enjoyed their service on board their ship "Orchestra". John Williamson and Normie Rowe been singing Aussie songs all morning.

VICKI: Ray phoned Jerry - all well with them. They were just trudging from Anzac Cove to Lone Pine, so we wished them well!

Bye for now,

Di & Ray