Residents from Australia and New Zealand gathered before sunrise today to honour the service and sacrifice of veterans from their home countries.

They were joined by Bermudians and dignitaries at the Royal Bermuda Regiment’s Warwick Camp for Anzac Day, to mark the First World War Gallipoli landing of April 25, 1915.

John Steele, who led the steering committee that organised the event, said: “It’s an occasion of great importance to Australians and New Zealanders — the Antipodean remembrance day.

“It’s no exaggeration that the First World War lent a huge amount to formation of a national identity in both those countries.”

Some 16,000 soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps were part of an allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula.

They landed on the shores at dawn 108 years ago, when they met resistance from the Ottoman Turkish defenders.

The Australian army website explained: “Their plan to knock Turkey out of the war quickly became a stalemate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months.”

More than 130,000 people died in the fighting, including about 87,000 from the Ottoman Empire and 44,000 Allied soldiers — among them more than 8,700 Australians and 2,779 New Zealanders, the NZ History website said.

Anzac Day memorial services — held at first light in recognition of when troops landed — also honour people who have served in more recent conflicts as well as on peacekeeping missions.

The commemoration in Bermuda was attended by the Governor, Rena Lalgie, Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, and Karen Grissette, the US Consul-General.

Lieutenant-Colonel Ben Beasley, the regiment’s Commanding Officer, and Emir Saleem Talbot, Imam of the Bermuda Islamic Cultural Centre, were also present.

Mr Steele said it was "a matter of great importance to remember those who served, those that didn’t come home“.

The Bermudian, who was born in New Zealand but left there when he was four months old, added: “For me, it’s an opportunity to connect with people from New Zealand and Australia, bringing together the community, which is often a bit dispersed, and getting to have a moment to commune.”

He expressed his gratitude for the support of the Governor, Mr Weeks and other dignitaries at the event, particularly given the early hour.

Deidre Mellamphy, another member of the Anzac Day steering committee, said: “This is the first time in three years we’ve been able to hold it because of Covid … this is really significant to get us all together after three years."

Mr Weeks told attendees: “Anzac Day is a time to honour the bravery dedication and resilience of the Anzac soldiers who fought and died during the First World War, particularly at Gallipoli in Turkey.”

He added: “Thanks to Bermuda’s link to the Commonwealth of Nations, we will continue to remember the events of 1915 and those who gave their lives for the cause of freedom and recognise the bravery and courage of the Anzac soldiers.

“By remembering their sacrifices, we can appreciate the freedoms and opportunities that we have today.

“I am keenly aware that Anzac Day provides an opportunity for national unity and pride for the people of Australia and New Zealand.

“I hope that our shared communities can continue to be educated about the events of Gallipoli and understand the impact of war on countries.

“By reflecting on the past, we can better understand ourselves and our place in the world.”