School students gathered at Sydney’s Anzac memorial to commemorate one of the most brutal and tragic battles of World War One – The Battle of Lone Pine.
Marking the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign, students who had travelled to Turkey in April, gathered with NSW Premier Mike Baird to lay a wreath at the memorial.
"At times like this, let's reflect on what that means. Think of the sporting teams they were part of, think of the communities they were part of, think of the families they were part of,” Mr Baird said.
“Just think how many mourned as news came through of the incredible loss. And, friends, our duty is to remember their sacrifice."
Launched at dusk on August the 6th, 1915, the battle was part of a diversionary attack to distract Turkish attention from the thrust of Britain's planned August Offensive.
The Australians succeeded in drawing the Turkish troops into four days of deadly hand-to-hand warfare and even succeeded in taking the main Turkish trench.
The bloody battle resulted in more than 2000 Australian casualties and is now remembered more for the lives sacrificed than as anything won or lost.
Seven bravery awards, The Victorian Cross, were awarded for soldiers as the fought to dislodge Turkish troops from the trenches.
RSL NSW president Rod White and NSW Centenary of Anzac advisory council chair Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie were also at the Hyde Park ceremony.
The NSW government contributed $1 million to enable the students and chaperones to take part in this year's Anzac Day centenary service at Gallipoli earlier this year.
AAP / Additional reporting by Lindsay Arkley
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