A RECORD number of people attended Codford’s ANZAC Day service this morning, to commemorate the centenary of Gallipoli and Australian and New Zealand troops killed in conflicts.

More than 200 locals, dignitaries and former soldiers attended the dawn service to pay their respects to the 66 New Zealanders, 31 Australians and one British servicemen buried at the War Grave site.

Many of the soldiers buried died during World War One after being based in Codford and the surrounding area, most dying as a result of illness.

The Rev Adrian Pollard from the Royal British Legion who held the service at St Mary’s Church, said: “We had a lot of people come who have an association with New Zealand or Australia and I think it has become more important to people over the years rather than less important.

“The youngest person we have here is seven-weeks old ranging up through the years and generations and I think it’s vitally important that the younger generation are made aware of ANZAC Day.

“I would say that children from Codford and Sutton Veny, who are taught about it at school, probably know more about ANZAC Day than many primary school children in Australia.”

Coralie Williams, who was visiting from Yeppoon in Australia and had a grandfather who was based in Sutton Veny, was one of many to make the 9,400mile trip.
She said: “It was a very moving service and I think it was really good.
“I think very much the village understands the history and they get that it’s really important.”

Local historian Romy Wyeth, who has helped organise the service, said:  “It’s the most fantastic service we’ve had and it’s absolutely brilliant.

“We’ve had more people than ever before come along and lots of people from Australia and New Zealand, which is great.”