Air Force deaths an added sorrow

There were a reported 15,000 people at the dawn service at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Photo / Dean Purcell

Tens of thousands of New Zealanders gathered at dawn services around the country yesterday to remember the New Zealanders who lost their lives at Gallipoli in 1915 and in other military engagements since.

But those who attended events held after the dawn services also mourned the Air Force members whose Iroquois helicopter crashed shortly before 6am at Pukerua Bay, 40km north of Wellington, on the way to Anzac Day events in the capital.

Most attending the dawn services had no knowledge of the crash but Returned Services Association (RSA) chief executive Dr Stephen Clarke said it saddened the mood at all subsequent events.

Dr Clarke said RSA chief executive Robin Klitscher, who was in Turkey for services at Gallipoli, had sent his condolences to the Air Force.

Services have been well attended with the dawn service at Auckland reportedly attracting 15,000 people, Dr Clarke said.

The service at the Auckland War Memorial Museum paid extra respect this year to the Australians who fought alongside the New Zealanders at Gallipoli. For the first time, Advance Australia Fair was sung by the choir at the service, something which is expected to happen every year, and the Australian flag flew at the ceremony.

"That reflects a call in parts of Australia as well to acknowledge the NZ in Anzac. It was very strong in Queensland earlier in the year, and that put the spotlight on how we acknowledge the A in Anzac," Dr Clarke said.

The New Zealand Transport Agency also flew the Australian flag on the harbour bridge.

It is one of only two days when flags other than the New Zealand flag fly on the bridge, the other day being Waitangi Day when the Tino Rangatiratanga flag flies.

Dr Clarke also said it was an important day for the Turkish people, whose forces were trying to fend off the Anzac troops in 1915.

"They do have their own day, the 18th of March, which is the equivalent of our Anzac Day, but increasingly they are acknowledging and part of their culture is to host guests and that's obviously increasing around Anzac Day, the 25th of April, as well."

Auckland Mayor John Banks told the service that the Gallipoli campaign caused profound misery and palpable grief to New Zealanders and Australians.

He said the services also remembered New Zealanders who lost their lives in other battles such as the Somme, Messines and Passchendaele.

At the Wellington dawn service, Army chief Major General Rhys Jones said Anzac Day was not a celebration.

"Anzac Day is a time to remember and reflect on the sorrow, loss and sacrifice that is the obligation of nationhood, the cost of liberty and the price of freedom."

About 3000 were estimated to have been at Wellington, while crowds were at record levels in Christchurch.

Significant crowds were also reported at other towns and cities throughout New Zealand.

- NZPA