Thousands of residents showed their respect at Anzac Day services in Townsville

As dawn broke on a wet Sunday morning and the sun began to rise, the sheer enormity of the crowd that had turned out to pay their respects on Anzac Day became apparent.

• Thousands return to Townsville Anzac Day Dawn Services despite the rain
• In pictures: Special moments at ‘outstanding’ Dawn Service

AS dawn broke on a wet Sunday morning and the sun began to rise, the sheer enormity of the crowd that had turned out to pay their respects on Anzac Day became apparent.

An estimated 15,000 people lined Townsville’s Anzac Park and surrounds for a service described by many as “like no other”.

Anzac Day Dawn Service at Anzac Park, Townsville. CPL David Wood plays the bugle. Picture: Evan Morgan

After residents were confined to the end of their driveways due to COVID-19 restrictions last year, thousands of families braved the gloomy weather and threat of rain to thank military personnel past and present for their service.

Townsville Mayor and “proud veteran” Jenny Hill led the Dawn Service and told The Bulletin it was “magic” to be back at Anzac Park.

“We are a military city and people feel a responsibility to come out and commemorate,” Cr Hill said.

In her address, Cr Hill spoke of the “heroic efforts” of the second oldest air force in the world, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), which commemorated its 100th year of service to this nation in 2021.

Anzac Day Dawn Service at Anzac Park, Townsville. Mayor Jenny Hill. Picture: Evan Morgan

Cr Hill told the story of Townsville brothers Lawrence and Ellis Wackett who earned their place in Australia’s history books, having shaped the RAAF.

Sir Lawrence Wackett (1896-1982) attended Mundingburra State School and Townsville Grammar before entering the Royal Military College at Duntroon in 1913.

The army was not to be his life however with stories of the pioneers of flight fascinating him from a young age.

Lawrence became the first Duntroon graduate to join the Australian Flying Corps as a lieutenant in the Number 1 Squadron in January 1916.

He was later knighted for his service to aviation and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1918 the Air Force Cross in 1919.

Lawrence became one the inaugural 21 officers upon formation of the RAAF.

His brother Ellis (1901-1984) transitioned from the navy to air force and became Australia’s fist trained parachute instructor.

He too went on to have a distringuised career in the RAAF, and played a major role in its war time expansion from 3500 personnel to 182,000 personnel and 6200 air craft in 1939.

Cr Hill said Anzac Day was about honouring heroes like Lawrence and Ellis Wackett and the men and women who stood by them and continue to support the RAAF.

She said the fact so many had turned out 106 years after the fateful Gallipoli landing was proof we have not forgotten.

“As we stand here we recognise our heroes don’t just live in the past, but are with us today. They stand side-by-side as we acknowledge their service and their commitment and their losses.”

“It is more important than ever that we stand by them in their fight both on and off the battlefield,” Cr Hill said.

Wing Commander Mathew Green said Gallipoli introduced the world to Australia and Australia to the world.

In his address, Mr Green said Anzac held a deep significance for each and every person.

“There is something about Anzac Day that rallies us together, that makes us all proud to be Australian or New Zealander”.

“It is a national spirit,” Mr Green said.

After the service, Commander of the 3rd Brigade Brigadier Kahill Fegan said he was “surprised to see” as the sun broke so many people participating in the Dawn Service.

“It just reminded me of how lucky we are to be here in North Queensland,” Mr Fegan said.

Member for Herbert Phil Thompson said it was “an emotional day” as he reflected on Australia’s involvement in wars and those who have been killed or wounded in operations.

Anzac Day parade on the Strand in Townsville. Herbert MP Phillip Thompson OAM. Picture: Evan Morgan

Mr Thompson said it was “one of the most special” Anzac Day’s he had attended and said it was wonderful to see crowds turn out in their thousands to thank veterans and the men and women who put on their uniform everyday while braving the weather and in the middle of a global pandemic.

“Everyone is walking up to veterans and soldiers to say thank you for your service,” Mr Thompson said.

RSL Townsville Sub Branch President Bill Whitburn OAM said it was “outstanding” to be able to mark the sacred day “face-to-face” and see so many residents come out in force.

“I was very heartened with the crowd here this morning and the support we get from Townsvillians is outstanding,” Mr Whitburn said.

Originally published as Thousands of residents showed their respect at Anzac Day services in Townsville