Oz, NZ war heroes remembered in Chennai

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At dawn on Wednesday, the Madras war cemetery, where the remains of 14 Australians and five New Zealanders are buried, witnessed a poignant scene when all top diplomats from Australia, New Zealand, Britain, Canada, the US and Turkey laid wreaths to remember the sacrifice made by young men and women officers and soldiers during world wars I and II. Indian defence forces and the national maritime foundation also joined them.

While the Australian and New Zealand army corps (ANZAC) day is observed all over the world on April 25 to commemorate the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli, where a joint British and French operation was on to secure a sea route to Russia during World War I, the Australian consulate in Chennai began this memorial service last year.

“When we came to know that Australian and New Zealand officers and men who had lost their lives in the Burma campaign during World War II were buried at the Madras war cemetery, we decided to start the service here also,” said Australian consul-general for south India David Holly.

The Australians and New Zealanders consider the Gallipoli campaign as the moment of birth of nationhood for both their countries. “It was a very significant day for us.

Apart from remembering people on this particular day, we also feel strongly about our independence. The Gallipoli victory was our country’s defining moment,” Mr Holly added.

For two Australian women, Emma and Francesca, who are in Chennai on a year’s break to work with NGOs, the memorial was an opportunity to connect with their compatriots.

“We do participate in this annual memorial in our country, but, today, visiting the Madras war cemetery was a new experience,” they noted.

Similarly, for two Indians, Ajit Bangera and Farah Bangera, who had lived in Australia for nearly 20 years, this service brought back memories of having taken part in a parade that would be held after the memorial service in Australia.

“It is a great thing for Australia and New Zealand to remember those who lost their lives during the world wars,” said Indian Air Force group captain H.S. Basra.