A true Anzac field service in the Philippines

As dawn broke above the West Philippine Sea, hundreds of Australian, New Zealand, Filippino and United States personnel gathered to commemorate Anzac Day and remember Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in war.

CAPTION: Australian Army, New Zealand Defence Force, United States Marine Corps and Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel hold an Anzac Day service during Exercise Balikatan in Aporawan, Philippines. Story by Captain Jacob Joseph. Photos by Leading Seaman Rikki-Lea Phillips.

The soldiers were in the Philippines for Exercise Balikatan, an annual Philippines-US military exercise, which Australia has participated in since 2014.

The combined force took time from defensive operations in preparation for a counter-landing live-fire activity to mark the 111th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings.

CAPTION: Warrant Officer Class Two Damian Woods addresses personnel from the Australian Army, New Zealand Defence Force, United States Marine Corps, and Armed Forces of the Philippines during an Aanzac Day service held as part of Exercise Balikatan.

Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2) Damian Woods, the most senior Australian enlisted soldier in the position, spoke of sacrifice as a common theme for soldiers during the ceremony.

“Across different nations, uniforms and generations, we share a common understanding of service,” WO2 Woods said.

“At dawn, we remember those who served before us, who endured hardship and showed courage and made sacrifices so that others might live in freedom and peace.”

For many, it was the first time they had participated in a ‘field service’.

CAPTION: Private Thomas Williams rests on arms during an Anzac Day service held as part of Exercise Balikatan in Aporawan, Philippines.

It was Private Thomas Williams’ first service with the 5th/7th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment.

“It was pretty special doing the ceremony overseas,” Private Williams said.

The infantry soldier marched in the catafalque party to stand guard around a display of Australian and New Zealand in-service rifles with bayonets held up by sandbags.

An Australian slouch hat and New Zealand beret were hung from the weapons.

Behind them the national flags were on display.

Officer Commanding of the combined Aussie and Kiwi Combat Team Jackal, Captain Sharm Heitmann, said Aussies have always found mates to their left and right.

“In World War II we fought together with Pacific nations,” Captain Heitmann said.

“Today, on Exercise Balikatan, we are again together, showing strength and solidarity with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.”

CAPTION: Australian Army, New Zealand Defence Force, United States Marine Corps and Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel conduct an Aanzac Day service during Exercise Balikatan in Aporawan, Philippines.

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