Thousands cram in at Anzac Cove for dawn service

Thousands of Australians and New Zealanders have crammed the Anzac commemorative site at Gallipoli for the Dawn Service which will mark 100 years since the fateful landing.

The rain and biting wind which had ripped across the peninsula earlier in the week had given way to fine conditions as the crowd made their way in after several security checks.

For some the first few steps into the site brought wide-eyed wonder as they stared up at the steep cliffs which the first Anzacs were confronted with 100 years ago.

Most of those of younger years made quickly for a spot on the grass and rolled out a rug, or fixed a flag to a fence, while those of more senior years made their way to seats in stands.

ANZAC COMMEMORATIONS FROM GALLIPOLI TO KINGS PARK

Among those who took their seats early were Jo Beavis, from Yanchep, and her mother Gaelene Gore, from Tasmania.

Mrs Gore’s father Charlie Stevens had tried to enlist at the age of 15 to join the battle at Gallipoli, but had been stopped by his father, so after turning 16 he jumped on a boat to Melbourne, put his age up and went on to serve on the Western Front.

Mrs Gore’s great uncle had fought at Gallipoli and been seriously wounded.

She said he had been stunned in the battle and given up for dead, but had been carried to safety by Simpson and his donkey, however he still ended up losing an arm.

Mates David Butler and Peter Edwards. Picture: Steve Ferrier/The West Australian

Ms Beavis said they left Istanbul by bus at 6.30am to get to the site in time.

“It’s an amazing place,” she said. “The soldiers jumped off the boats onto an obstacle course.”

Out on the grass were father and son Craig and Nathan Butler, from South Perth.

Craig Butler said he usually went to the Dawn Service at Kings Park, which he always found emotional, and he was expecting the same at dawn at Gallipoli.

“I am sure there will be tears,” he said.

David Butler, from Melbourne, no relation to the other Butler men, wore his Vietnam war medals, the medals his father had earned in World War II, and replicas of medals won by four great uncles.

Three had fought at Gallipoli and one on the Western Front, and incredibly, all survived.

He said it was the first time he had been to Anzac Day at Gallipoli.

“The emotions are really starting to kick in,” he said.

Anne Griffiths and her son Rob Klatt arrived carrying a wreath to lay at Lone Pine on behalf of the 11th Battalion Association of WA.

Mrs Griffith’s father John (Jack) Aloysius Faulkner landed on April 25, 1915, with the 11th Battalion and was wounded several days later.

He recovered and returned to Gallipoli before being evacuated again with a back injury, but later served in France.

Mrs Griffiths’ uncle William Francis Faulkner also joined the 11th Battalion, also fought at Gallipoli but was killed in France.

She said that getting to Gallipoli for Anzac Day had been “a mission.”

“It’s amazing, simply amazing,” she said.

She said if she got cold then “so what?”

“Think of them in the trenches,” she said. “This is the least we can do.”