The commemorative service planned for 6 August at Lone
Pine, Gallipoli will not proceed.
Turkish authorities have asked the Australian Government to reconsider
holding the service on 6 August, 2016 and, following
consultation between our governments, the service will
not be held.
The Turkish Government and its people are generous
hosts of Australia’s various commemorations at
Gallipoli, and the Government respects their request.
The Lone Pine Cemetery at Gallipoli will be open to
visitors to pay their respects on 6 August. The
Government has asked the Australian Ambassador to
Turkey, James Larsen, to lay a wreath at the Lone Pine
Memorial to honour the 101st anniversary of the Battle
of Lone Pine on 6 August.
All Australians travelling, or considering travel, to
Turkey should subscribe to the Smartraveller website (smartraveller.gov.au),
and monitor the site for the latest travel advice.
Anzac Day services in Turkey on 25 April, 2017 and
beyond are not affected by this decision.
Next year, there will again be an Australian service
at the Lone Pine Cemetery on Anzac Day.
The Battle of Lone Pine was fought between 6 and 10
August 1915. Australian forces suffered more than 2,000
casualties and Turkish forces suffered more than 6,000
casualties. Seven Victoria Crosses were awarded to
Australian soldiers for their bravery in the battle,
including two posthumous awards to men who were killed
or died of wounds.
