A State Funeral Service for Alec William Campbell was held at The Cathedral Church of St. David, in Hobart, today.
Campbell died on May 6, 2002. He was 103 years old and the last surviving Australian participant in the Gallipoli campaign of 1915 in World War I.
The Prime Minister, John Howard, addressed the funeral service.
A document prepared by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the State Funeral is shown below. [Read more…]
Alec Campbell, the last known Australian participant in the Gallipoli campaign of World War I has been farewelled at a State Funeral in St. David’s Cathedral in Hobart.
Campbell died last week, aged 103.
Tributes were given by the Prime Minister, John Howard, the Premier of Tasmania, Jim Bacon, and members of Alec Campbell’s family.
Around the nation, a minute’s silence, largely organised by talkback radio comperes, was observed in public places, worksites, schools and on radio and television.
Campbell was 16 years old when he enlisted as Private No. 2731 in the 15th Batallion of the first Australian Infantry Force (AIF) in 1915. Like many others, he falsified his age. He arrived on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey on November 2, in the last months of the protracted, and ultimately futile, battle that had been waged there since the dawn landing on April 25, 1915. Six thousand Australians and New Zealanders had already died there. ‘The kid’ carried water and ammunition to the soldiers at the front. Becoming ill with typhus, mumps that developed into Bell’s palsy, and other illnesses, he was evacuated from Gallipoli during the allied withdrawal in December 1915. [Read more…]
The Leader of the Opposition, Simon Crean, has delivered the ALP’s Budget Reply speech to the House of Representatives.
It was Crean’s first Budget Reply speech as party leader. He was responding to Treasurer Peter Costello’s seventh Budget.
Hansard transcript of Simon Crean’s Budget Reply speech.
Mr CREAN (Leader of the Opposition) (7:31 PM) —Before I commence tonight, I just heard the sad news coming in that Alec Campbell died tonight aged 103. He was the last of the original Anzacs and our last living link with that Anzac tradition. I just want to say that we thank him, we honour him and our condolences go to his family. [Read more…]
This is the text of a statement released by the Prime Minister, John Howard.
The passing of Alec Campbell marks an important moment in the history of our nation.
Alec Campbell was the last known survivor of the Gallipoli campaign, not just in Australia but anywhere in the world.
He was the last living link to that group of Australians that established the ANZAC legend.
Alec Campbell was 103.
Of all the traditions that Australians hold dear, none is held more dearly than the ANZAC tradition. It is a story of great valour under fire, unity of purpose and a willingness to fight against the odds that has helped to define what it means to be an Australian.
Alec Campbell was typical of a generation of Australians who, through their sacrifice, bravery and decency, created a legacy that has resonated through subsequent decades and generations.
He enlisted in June 1915 at the age of 16, serving on the Gallipoli peninsula in November and December 1915 with the 15th Battalion.
I had the honour of meeting Alec Campbell on several occasions. In April 2000 he was honoured at a ceremony at the Australian War Memorial, handing over a flag that I had the privilege of taking to Gallipoli commemorations that year.
On behalf of the nation I express my condolences to his family and my great respect and admiration for the service that he gave and the legend that he helped to create. As a mark of a grateful nation a state funeral will be offered to his family.