The Duke of York attends ANZAC Day service

The service was conducted by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, who said in his Bidding:

The landing of allied forces at Gallipoli on 25th April 1915 led to one of the bloodiest battles of the First World War. Australian and New Zealand forces joined together for the first time, and a new word entered the language: ANZAC. Remembering that so many died, we honour the bravery and determination of the men at Gallipoli.

The memory of what became known as The Great War is with us as a warning and an encouragement. We are warned that war involves suffering and death; we are encouraged by the spirit of national pride shown by the soldiers we remember this ANZAC Day.

At the start of the service the flags of New Zealand, Australia, Turkey and the United Kingdom were carried through the Abbey and placed beside the High Altar. The flags were borne by Warrant Officer II Daniel Bell (Australia), Warrant Officer Steve Clarke (New Zealand), Staff Sergeant Ozan Suslu (Turkey), and Major Tom Pauncefort (United Kingdom).

His Excellency the High Commissioner for Australia, The Honourable Alexander Downer AC, read Isaiah 9: 1 – 7, and His Excellency the High Commissioner for New Zealand, Lieutenant General The Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae GNZM QSO KStJ, read St John 14: 1 – 6.