THE annual ANZAC Day Service took place in the Commonwealth War Grave Cemetery in Church Lane, Codford St Mary, at 6.30am on April 25. Representatives from the High Commissions of New Zealand and Australia, from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the Codford branch of the Royal British Legion and Codford Parish Council took part in the service and laid wreaths on the Cross of Sacrifice. More than 120 people gathered in the quiet cemetery where 66 New Zealanders, 31 Australians and a single British medic who died, mainly of sickness or accidents, between 1916 -1918 are buried.

The majority of the men were in their 20’s and 30’s, four were aged 19, eight were in their 40’s and one soldier was 52. The name of every man was read out by one of their countrymen from the Roll of Honour. The Rev Adrian Pollard took the service, which followed the traditional format of ANZAC Day services across the world.

A piper then led the congregation through the High Street to the Village Hall where Tiggy Thornton and her team of helpers had prepared a cooked breakfast which included ANZAC biscuits. The term Gunfire Breakfast relates to the rum put in the tea before the troops landed in Gallipoli in April 1915. Rum is always available for the tea and coffee at the breakfast as a reminder of the reason for the service.

Just under 80 breakfasts were served, much appreciated after the early start when locals and Antipodeans, military and civilians, gather together once a year for a unique and very personal service.