Today we mark Anzac Day 2022.
On Sunday 24 April, I attended an annual Anzac Day service to commemorate the New Zealand Rifle Brigade being transferred to Brocton camp on Cannock Chase in 1917.
The service was also attended by representatives from the High Commissions of Australia and New Zealand, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire and Staffordshire’s High Sheriff - as well as members of the armed forces, local council mayors, chairmen and the MP for Stafford, Theo Clarke.
There has been a service on Cannock Chase to honour these fighters almost every year since 1918 – with ceremonies only cancelled during World War Two and during the Covid pandemic.
Cannock Chase War Ceremony has 93 Commonwealth graves, including 73 members of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade.
We owe a great debt of gratitude to all those who have fought to defend our country - but on Anzac Day we particularly remember those from Australia and New Zealand, including members of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade.
I am very proud of the work carried out by local armed forces charities, including the Stafford Royal British Legion, to ensure that the bravery and sacrifices of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade are remembered here in Cannock Chase each year.
