Anzac Centenary Commemorations 2015

Batchelor - Cherry Anzac Centenary 2015

We are very pleased to announce that our family WILL have a representative at the 100th Anzac day service on Gallipoli.

Ben Batchelor, youngest son of Cyril Batchelor and nephew of Percy Cherry and Archie Batchelor; together with his wife June, will represent the whole family at the dawn service on Gallipoli, this year.

Whilst the family did not gain a pass in the initial ballot to attend this important event, he was allocated a double pass during the year when one became availalble. We thank anyone who may have played a part in this process.

Ben and June with Serena, Clinton and Gina 2014

Ben and June will travel to Turkey with daughter Gina, and Tony Scott. It has been quite a challenge to organise a"first big overeses trip" for the older people but all is in order and they are looking forward to being the family representatives at this huge event. They were granted "mobility passes" which means they will be looked after to a degree, but still have to be independant. The bags are packed with all the necessary warm clothing and double because they are now from Queensland. They even have an emergency "survival bag" each to help keep warm whilst being exposed to the elements overnight. Keep your fingers crossed and hope for a warmer, drier than usual, night at Anzac Cove please.

Cyril was one of the first to land on Gallipoli in 1915, he was wounded in the left leg, and managed to be rescued after three days and sent to Lemnos for recovery, until he was shipped back to Tasmania in august 1915. He famously spoke about his recovery tactic - a stout every day on the ship home.

Would you like to tell us what you are doing this year for Anzac day? Just send us an email please.

Ben and June have done an interview with the ABC and we will let you know the link to listen when it s available.