anzaccentenary.gov.au/program/acce.htm Defence has confirmed significant commitment to the first major Australian-based event for the Centenary of ANZAC commemorations with AustralianArmy, Royal Australian Navy and Air Force assets and personnel set to take part. The ‘Albany Convoy Commemorative Event’ will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the departure of the first convoy of ships to the First World War which carried 30,000 men from the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) and the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) to the Middle East, from Albany, Western Australia. Defence participation in the event will include five Royal Australian Navy warships including HMA Ships Anzac, Arunta, Stuart and Sirius and HMA Submarine Rankin, the Royal Australian Navy Band, over 100 soldiers from Western Australia’s 13th Brigade and both AP3-C Orion and Hawk 127 aircraft from the Royal Australian Air Force. Over the weekend of 31 October to 2 November 2014, more than 800 uniformed personnel will support activities on land, sea and air with a gathering of naval ships, as well as a ‘ceremonial sunset’ including a guard from HMAS Stirling, a troop march, and commemorative service which concludes with a fly past. Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Tim Barrett AO, CSC, RAN, said the commemoration was important to remember the sacrifices of those who embarked. “The significance of this event is not lost even after a century when so many left these shores, and were destined never to return. Their actions established an essential chapter in our military history,” he said. Community engagement opportunities have been identified together with the local council, Albany Entertainment Centre and other stakeholders in the city of Albany with a number of concerts, school visits, sporting matches and a ship open day at the Port of Albany. The ship open day will be a free, ticketed event with tickets available for the public to reserve online at acce-ship-open-day-tickets.eventbrite.au The event will be held at the Albany Port in conjunction with the local council, and will feature food and beverage stalls, entertainment and the RAN Band. For more information on the events anzaccentenary.gov.au/program/acce.htm
Posted on: Wed, 15 Oct 2014 03:30:01 +0000