Here in Australia - where the New Weddington Isles' Prime Consul is based "in terra aliena" - the 25th April marks ANZAC Day: a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders who served, suffered and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.
Without glorifying war, the Isles acknowledge the contribution and suffering of all those affected by war - both frontline personnel and civilians.
This day has a particular resonance for the New Weddington Isles going back to the old Manor of Weddington back in England. It is our custom to dedicate a poppy to Sergeant Sydney John Vines - a former groom and manservant at Weddington Castle who travelled halfway around the world with his employer and joined the 1st New Zealand Expeditionary Force in 1914.
Due to Covid restrictions, rather than attending a Dawn Service this year Lord Watitune has remembered Sgt Vines with a "virtual poppy" via the Australian War Memorial website.
Sgt Vines went on to see extensive action in World War I - including Gallipoli - and was awarded the Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal for his actions. He died in Wellington in 1922, leaving behind 6 children.
More on his extraordinary life here (PDF document)
Without glorifying war, the Isles acknowledge the contribution and suffering of all those affected by war - both frontline personnel and civilians.
This day has a particular resonance for the New Weddington Isles going back to the old Manor of Weddington back in England. It is our custom to dedicate a poppy to Sergeant Sydney John Vines - a former groom and manservant at Weddington Castle who travelled halfway around the world with his employer and joined the 1st New Zealand Expeditionary Force in 1914.
Due to Covid restrictions, rather than attending a Dawn Service this year Lord Watitune has remembered Sgt Vines with a "virtual poppy" via the Australian War Memorial website.
Sgt Vines went on to see extensive action in World War I - including Gallipoli - and was awarded the Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal for his actions. He died in Wellington in 1922, leaving behind 6 children.
More on his extraordinary life here (PDF document)
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