AFG Readies for Anzac Day Services at Gallipoli, Turkey

April 12, 2013

Australia’s Federation Guard (AFG), Gallipoli contingent, is fine tuning its drill in preparation for Anzac Day ceremonies on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey.

The contingent, with representatives from each of the services Navy, Army and Air Force, has been rehearsing its drill at the Australian War Memorial during the opening and closing of the Hall of Remembrance, and in the forecourt of the national shrine.

In Gallipoli the AFG will stand as solemn guards at the Gallipoli Memorial throughout the Anzac Day Dawn Service.

For many members it will be their first trip to Gallipoli.

Participation in the official commemorations holds special significance for them all, but especially for one guardsman whose surname is synonymous with World War 1 battlefront.

Private (PTE) Scott Simpson of Canberra is quick to remind his fellow guardsman he is no relation to Gallipoli war hero, John Simpson Kirkpatrick. However the co-incidence is not lost on the young Army private.

He said he was looking forward to representing the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in Gallipoli.

“I enjoy representing the ADF in parades and different ceremonies. Gallipoli is a once in a lifetime trip and I am honoured to be chosen to go,” he said.

“There’s a lot of preparation going into this day; not only drills, but a lot of physical and mental preparation. We do a lot of PT as well as briefings on the significance of Anzac Day and the areas we are travelling to,” he said.

“Anzac Day means considerably more to me now than it did when I first joined the Army,” PTE Simpson said.

PTE Simpson will be joined by Leading Seaman (LS) Simon Fitzgerald of Adelaide. He is a guardsman, Detachment Commander, drill instructor and Catafalque Party Commander.

Leading Seaman Simon Fitzgerald from Adelaide, South Australia, at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra before deploying to participate in Anzac Day ceremonies at Gallipoli and Europe.

LS Fitzgerald joined the Navy in 1995 and has served in HMAS Perth and the Collins Class submarines. He joined the AFG in January last year.

“I am looking forward to the Gallipoli trip as it gives me an opportunity to see another country, experience their culture, and conduct my duties in a very significant location in regard to the ADF,” LS Fitzgerald said.

“Prior to deploying to Gallipoli there has been a number of tasks we have been involved in to display our capabilities and assure the senior staff that they have chosen the right people,” LS Fitzgerald said.

Lance Corporal (LCPL) Neil Bautista is just as proud of his Filipino heritage as he is of representing the ADF in Gallipoli on Anzac Day.

LCPL Corporal Bautista, from Werribee in Victoria, joined the Army in 2006. After completing initial training at Kapooka he undertook further training to become a rifleman.

“Gallipoli means a lot to me,” LCPL Bautista said.

“Gallipoli brought out the best in every man who fought and died there,” he said.

“Reading stories about heroism and willingness to lay down one’s life for a mate makes me proud of our Anzacs,” he added. LCPL Bautista said he was proud to be part of the Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli.

“To me it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to pay tribute to our proud heritage, the courage of our ancestors and the Anzac spirit,” he said.

Leading Aircraftman (LAC) John Campbell of Goulburn, NSW, is also looking forward to the Anzac Day services at Gallipoli and appreciates the significance of the event and the location.

“I am lucky enough to live the dream of all Australians and walk in the footsteps of the many who gave their lives for my freedom,” he said.

“Gallipoli is seen as being the most prestigious ceremonial site we have. To not only be able to experience, but to actually be part of the ceremonial party means a great deal—my way of saying thanks to the Anzacs,” he added.

The AFG Gallipoli contingent departs Australia on 15 April.

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Naval Today Staff, April 12, 2013; Image: Australian Navy