Legion branch ‘takes great pride’ in honouring Australians and New Zealanders at Wick war graves
Organisers of Wick’s annual Anzac Day ceremony have told of the pride they take in honouring the Australian and New Zealand servicemen who are buried in the town.
Anzac Day is held on April 25 each year, having begun as a way of paying tribute to members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (Anzac) who served at Gallipoli in 1915 during World War I.
A service was held at the war graves in Wick cemetery, organised as always by the Wick, Canisbay and Latheron branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland.
The Rev John Nugent gave a reading and a minute’s silence was observed. Deputy Lieutenant Evelyn Bremner laid a poppy wreath on behalf of the Caithness lieutenancy.
Legion branch president Murray Lamont said afterwards: “The Wick, Canisbay and Latheron branch takes great pride in holding the service to remember those young men from Australia and New Zealand who gave their lives in World War II, and we attend their graves for this service every year.
“Caithness was a very important place during the war and was used by various different forces. We pride ourselves on remembering what they did for us.”
The standard-bearers were Kevin McDonald and Kevin Stewart.
A short service was also held at the grave of General Sir Henry Horne of Stirkoke at the opposite end of the cemetery. Mr Lamont laid a wreath on behalf of the Legion branch.
General Lord Horne is remembered for helping to save many thousands of lives by organising the evacuation of troops from the Gallipoli peninsula in November 1915.
