Lone Pine commemorative service cancelled

The commemorative service planned for 6 August at Lone Pine, Gallipoli, will not proceed.

Turkish authorities have asked the Australian government to reconsider holding the service on 6 August, 2016 and, following consultation between our governments, the service will not be held.

File photo by Sergeant Troy Rodgers

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan said the Turkish government and its people were generous hosts of Australia’s various commemorations at Gallipoli, and the government respects their request.

“The Lone Pine Cemetery at Gallipoli will be open to visitors to pay their respects on 6 August and the Australian Ambassador to Turkey, James Larsen, will lay a wreath at the Lone Pine Memorial to honour the 101st anniversary of the Battle of Lone Pine on 6 August 1915,” Mr Tehan said.

“All Australians travelling, or considering travel, to Turkey should subscribe to the Smartraveller website (smartraveller.gov.au), and monitor the site for the latest travel advice.

“Anzac Day services in Turkey on 25 April, 2017 and beyond are not affected by this decision.

“Next year, there will again be an Australian service at the Lone Pine Cemetery on Anzac Day.”

The Battle of Lone Pine was fought between 6 and 10 August 1915.

Australian forces suffered more than 2000 casualties and Turkish forces suffered more than 6000 casualties.

Seven Victoria Crosses were awarded to Australian soldiers for their bravery in the battle, including two posthumous awards to men who were killed or died of wounds.

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