Anzac Day service to honour soldiers

Staffordshire will host one of the nation's largest Anzac Day commemorative services this weekend attended by dignitaries and members of ex-service and veteran organisations.

The Commonwealth War Cemetery on Cannock Chase is the venue for the annual service on Sunday.

The service is principally in remembrance of First World War Gallipoli landing in 1915 by Australian and New Zealand soldiers, but is also a tribute to the Anzac (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) troops who served in other areas in the 1914-1918 war.

It will also honour the thousands of soldiers who fought during the Second World War in North Africa, Burma and the Pacific.

Anzac Day on April 25 is celebrated around the world, particularly in Australasia.

The Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, James Hawley, together with diplomatic and services representatives from Australia and New Zealand will attend the service.

Staffordshire civic leaders will also be present along with members of the Royal British Legion and other ex-service organisations.

Members of the public are also welcome to attend the ceremony taking place at the cemetery which is located off the A34.

At 10.30am the Royal British Legion and ex-service organisation standards will be paraded.

The service will start at 11am and conclude with a wreath laying ceremony together with the sounding of the Last Post and Reveille.

A piece of Maori music has been added to the service called Po Atu Rau – Now is the Hour.

There will also be a First World War re-enactment at the Cannock Chase Visitors Centre in Marquis Drive, Hednesford, on Saturday and Sunday.

During the First World War there was a large military camp at Cannock Chase which became the base for the New Zealand Rifle Brigade.

The cemetery contains 97 Commonwealth burials of soldiers who fought in the First World War, most of them New Zealanders.