Gallipoli flame handover in Geraldton this Friday

A specially-made torch to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the World War One Gallipoli Landings will be presented to Geraldton’s youth on Friday.

Ross Davies, president of the Geraldton Returned Services League, will present the Legacy flame to his grandson, Jacob Davies, 14, at Geraldton Grammar School.

Geraldton is the only regional centre in WA to have a torch. This follows Mr Davies’ trip to Canberra a few weeks ago to accept it and one for the State RSL.

The flame originally was lit in Albany, where the first ANZACs departed Australia, on 28 September 2014. Since then it has travelled Australia, in a journey representing the spiritual return of the 11,410 ANZACS who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Mr Davies said he felt humbled to have carriage of such a historical item.

“It represents everything that ANZAC is about,” said Mr Davies.

“Mostly it’s about the spirit of the ANZACs that burns to this day and will continue to do so, because their actions in war helped shape our nation.”

The flame will next appear at Camp Gallipoli at Bundiyarra on 24 April, when people will be able to camp out overnight, as part of the Camp Gallipoli experience.   

On ANZAC Day the flame will lead a 5.30am march by local Veterans down Chapman Road, prior to the Dawn Service.

Friday’s event details:
8.30am, Batavia Hall, Geraldton Grammar, 134 George Road.

For more information on Camp Gallipoli and the flame: https://www.campgallipoli.com.au/anzac-flame