Anzac Day – A Special Time To Remember Them

As much as I love working in my vegetable garden there are times when it takes back stage. The 25th of April – Anzac Day is one such time.

Above: My father Leslie Hamilton Dunn served in the 21st New Zealand infantry battalion 1939-45 and fought against Erwin Rommel’s troops in Egypt.

Above: My great uncle Alexander Beaton missing in action at the battle of El Alamein Western Desert Egypt 15th July 1942. 18th New Zealand infantry battalion. (5th name down from top middle row)

Posthumously awarded the New Zealand Memorial Cross. Instituted, 12 September 1947 by King George VI. Awarded to the next-of-kin of New Z ealand service personnel killed on active service (since 1995, this includes deaths during peace-keeping operations). Award is made to the nearest female relative if there is both a mother and a wife 2 crosses are awarded.

Above: My grandfather Robert Matthew Dunn after returning from the Boer war 1899-1902 Seventh contingent No 23 company Nelson section & No 24 company Canterbury section made up of 28 officers and 572 men.

” They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
we will remember them”

Dawn service at the cenotaph Auckland War Memorial Museum.