PM: Tragedies reinforce our Anzac bonds

In a ceremony far from home, two countries united by recent tragedies honoured the bravery of soldiers who fought at Gallipoli.

Prime Minister John Key represented New Zealand and Canberra's High Commissioner to London, John Dauth, represented Australia at emotional Anzac Day services in central London yesterday.

Speaking to more than 1000 people at a dawn ceremony in Hyde Park, Mr Key said the Christchurch earthquake and the Queensland floods had strengthened relations between the two countries.

"This year, our bonds have been expressed through the face of great challenges."

He said that when 300 Australian police officers arrived at Christchurch Airport and were met by a standing ovation, New Zealanders were showing their gratitude "to loyal family members coming to their aid".

"And it was as family that New Zealand this year came immediately to the assistance of Australia in the wake of the Queensland floods. And it was as family that Australia came to our aid during the Pike River mine disaster last year.

"In times of sadness, we are made stronger by the ties that bind us. From hardship comes mateship. That is the story of Anzac Day."

High commissioners from Turkey, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, India, South Africa, Malta, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Canada and Ireland also attended the ceremony.

With military personnel from New Zealand, Australia and Britain, they gathered at the Australian War Memorial, a curved wall of West Australian granite, as the sun rose.

The Anzac Day dawn ceremonies in London alternate each year between the sculpture and the nearby New Zealand War Memorial, 16 cross-shaped bronze standards on a grassy slope.

Mr Key also laid a wreath at the New Zealand memorial, unveiled by the Queen in 2006.

Anzac commemorations concluded at Westminster Abbey, where the Prime Minister and his wife, Bronagh, will attend the royal wedding on Friday.