AS another Anzac Day passes, Oberon woman Jo-Anne Cleton paused to remember a pilgrimage she made to Gallipoli to remember those who fought for Australia.
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Determined to mark the centenary of the Anzac’s landing last year, Ms Cleton took a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Along with her uncle Russell Hutchinson and his family, she took a five-week cruise which had them arrive at Anzac Cove on April 25 to mark the centenary.
Aboard The Orchestra, an Italian cruise ship, they travelled from Perth to Albany, Sri Lanka and Egypt and from there followed the original route of the Anzacs to Gallipoli.
The ship moored just off Anzac Cove to allow all 2500 passengers to witness the 100th remembrance service in Gallipoli.
Ms Cleton said her Anzac Day began at 3.30am and it was a very emotional day
“Our ship, The Orchestra, was moored in Anzac Cove with eight other cruise ships alongside impressive war ships,” she said.
“On board the ship we watched the dawn service at 5.30am, which included a vast array of guest speakers such as the then Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Prime Minister of New Zealand John Keys and Prince Charles.”
Mr Hutchinson’s grandchildren, Jack, Ruby, Tilly and Charlie, all wore family war medals and seeing their pride in wearing them was quite momentous.
“Our families back in Australia watched this service live on television and were overwhelmed to see our ship in the background at Anzac Cove. This made the broadcast so much more special for them,” Ms Cleton said.
“My cousin Edwina and her daughter Judy travelled from the Gold Coast to Canberra to be part of the 100th commemoration service marking the 100 years.”
Ms Cleton and her uncle stayed on deck during the day for the various services that were held.
“Certainly a highlight was watching the moving service at Lone Pine at 11am,” she said. “There was a service held on board the ship for all guests to attend and that’s where all crew and guests stood as one, emotionally remembering what the Australian and New Zealand soldiers fought for and sacrifices that will never be forgotten.”
Ms Cleton said it was a trip of a lifetime following the same path as those soldiers who went to war.
“The entire day was such a highlight considering that the purpose of the
journey was to spend Anzac Day at Gallipoli, and it didn’t disappoint,” she said. “There was lots of entertainment on the journey and there were a few ex Vietnam vets on board.
“Normie Rowe, Daryl Braithwaite, John Williamson, Kate Ceberano and Ross Wilson entertained everyone on board nightly.”
