Students told of horrors of war

REAL: MP Todd Muller talking to students at Tauranga Boys' College Anzac Day commemoration service about life during World War I.PHOTO/ANDREW WARNER

The stark reality of life as an Anzac was brought home to Tauranga Boys' College students by old boy Todd Muller in a poignant speech.

At a special assembly at the college yesterday, the Bay of Plenty MP told students he wanted to make Anzac Day as relevant as possible for them so they could reflect on the ultimate sacrifices the Anzacs made.

He urged the students to think about those thousands of young people who jumped at the offer of an all expenses paid overseas trip and the many thousands who never came back.

"It probably started as a huge adventure. Like getting a text or Facebook message and email from the Government saying you can go and play rugby in Europe for New Zealand. All divisions and grades, you just need to run around Nicholson [college] field twice to prove your fitness, we will provide the uniform, the tools for the job and the trip over there.

"Imagine the excitement, as the opportunity ripples around Facebook and the texts fly. It's spot the one who won't go, mock him, 'a free trip, heck yeah', excitement, reinforcing the commitment of everyone to go," he said.

Mr Muller said after the farewells and parades with plenty of "go get him mate", the adventurers arrive overseas keen to get out on the field, and "nail this thing", hoping to be home by Christmas.

He asked the students, "When do you think the fear would start?"

At the first briefing ... or hearing the first explosions ... or the first bullet rips past your head? ... Or when you saw the first guy get hit? Then the realisation, 'oh my God, what have I done?'

"Then the hiding, the endless digging, then the waiting knowing you have to go back over the top, and face it - death."

Mr Muller urged the students to take time to pause and reflect.

"All gave some, some gave all, lest we forget."

Student Jackson Currie, 16, said he enjoyed Mr Muller's speech and coming from an school old boy made it extra special.

"It definitely put into perspective for me what huge sacrifices the Anzacs made for us and that we must never ever forget that."

The assembly concluded with head prefect Te Puruhi Moana and house captain Hamish Hahunga reading the ode, a bugler playing the Last Post and Reveille.

Mr Hahunga will be giving a speech at today's Anzac commemoration service at Tauranga RSA.