24 April, 2015. 11:35
CLANCY OVERELL | Editor | [email protected]
100 YEARS AGO, thousands of young Australian soldiers were approaching the shores of Gallipoli, nervously awaiting what would turn out to be one of the least successful commonwealth campaigns in military history.
New Zealand was there with us – facing off against another generation of equally timid, young turkish men.
The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, also known as ANZAC is commemorated on the 25th of April each year, all around the world.
With massive dawn services to be hosted in Turkey, Australia, New Zealand and London – the 2015 centenary of this anniversary is set to break records for attendance.
One man in particular says he plans to spend his saturday commemorating alongside returned servicemen, at the pub.
“I’m always up for the dawn service,” say Nick Austen, a 27-year old from West Betoota.
“If the dawn service is wrapped up by 6:30ish – I’m in the RSL for the gunfire breakfast by seven”
Nick says it would be inappropriate to spend ANZAC Day at the beach, stating that it’s about paying your respect to the diggers, something he feels is easier to do at your local RSL Club.
“I always say g’day to the diggers. I have a drink with them and then we get stuck into the two-up. That’s what it’s all about”
The amount of money Nick usually blows on ANZAC Day gambling (two-up) is quite a lot, but he says it’s all about of the tradition.
“I blew two thousand dollars last time… It’s usually a big day and I’m very bloody glad this game is only legal on one day of the year”
The fact that pubs are opening as early as 6:00am around the country tomorrow means people like Nick are able to spend upwards of 20 hours in the same licensed venue.
“If I can get in there by seven, and keep pissed until seven the following morning. I think that’s a fairly solid effort,”
“My biggest challenge is to not fall asleep. Lying down in a suit is never a good look… especially under the pool tables on ANZAC Day… at the RSL”
That’s a gallant effort by Nick, I just want to know if he ‘held his own!’ and blew his wad? Good effort all-round.