Sydney Commemorates Anzac Day at Sea

25 April 2009

HMAS Sydney's ship's company at a dawn service held at sea to commemorate ANZAC Day.

Just before dawn they mustered, and as waves crashed over the flight deck, the ship’s company of HMAS Sydney bowed their heads to remember and reflect.

And while ANZAC Day is often commemorated with a march, there seemed to be something special about holding a service while steaming towards the first port of call of a round-the-world deployment on Operation Northern Trident 2009.

“ANZAC Day isn’t just about the diggers of World War I, but a time to think about all the sailors, soldiers and airmen that went before us,” said Executive Officer, LCDR Bill Waters.

“It is also important to consider the ship’s company, as well as other members of the ADF, who continue to support operations as directed by Government, just as the ANZAC’s did 94 years ago.”

With a few minutes left before sunrise, ABCIS Tennille Grady read the poignant poem by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, “In Flanders Fields”, before the Commanding Officer of Sydney, CAPT Peter Leavy, addressed the ship’s company.

“ANZAC Day remembers the Gallipoli campaign and, although I have reflected today on Navy’s involvement, we remember all those who have represented our nation and contributed in times of conflict,” said CAPT Leavy.

“But in 2009 it is also much more than that – ANZAC Day is a time for all Australians to reflect on the way of life we hold so dearly and the values that shape our culture.”

Then almost on cue, the first hint of sunlight broke through the clouds as the Ship’s Warrant Officer, WO Mark Edwards, read the Ode, then the Bugler, ABMUS Andrew Hansch, played the Last Post.

The service was made even more memorable thanks to the embarked members of the Royal Australian Navy Band and lead singer ABMUS Rachael Summers, who sang the Naval Hymn, Abide With Me and Advance Australia Fair.

“Playing at sea was definitely a highlight and certainly different from marching through the streets,” said the band’s group leader, POMUS Brett Douglas.

“It was great to be a part of the ship’s ANZAC Day commemorations and to be able to add an extra level of dignity to the occasion through live music.”

Following the dawn service, the ship’s company returned to their respective messes for breakfast and ANZAC biscuits, and later enjoyed freshly baked Vegemite scrolls, hot from the ship’s galley.