Subj : Lost luggage threatens NZDF's Gallipoli Anzac Day plans
To   : All
From : News
Date : Wed Apr 24 2024 01:10 pm

Wild weather in the Middle East has triggered fears for New Zealand's
participation in the Anzac Day dawn service at Gallipoli this year, after
luggage was lost in transit as the Kiwi contingent headed to Turkey.

Dubai suffered severe flooding last week - and amid the chaos, New Zealand
Defence Force (NZDF) bags were lost.

With uniforms and many of the band's instruments still missing, it casts
doubt over New Zealand's ceremonial presence at events.

"The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) may play a reduced role in Anzac Day
commemorations at Gallipoli this year after some of the contingent's luggage
failed to arrive in Trkiye in time," the NZDF confirmed in a statement.

"The contingent flew to Trkiye through Dubai last week, where unprecedented
flooding hit the region and the airport suffered massive disruptions. The
contingent's checked luggage did not accompany it to Istanbul.

The luggage contained service dress uniforms and band instruments, all of
which are essential for Thursday's Dawn Service at Anzac Cove and
late-morning New Zealand service at Chunuk Bair."

About half of the bags have reportedly been recovered at Dubai International
Airport and the NZDF has received the first already - but even if they reach
Anzac Cove on time, the contingent might not be properly equipped to
participate in the main dawn service.

"Efforts by New Zealand Embassy staff in Ankara managed to retrieve some of
the luggage on Tuesday evening (Trkiye time), but it included just one band
instrument and some dress uniforms," the NZDF said.

NZDF Gallipoli lead John McLeod said the group were disappointed.

Tonight, the contingent will look at what has or hasn't arrived and make a
call on how it can take part in the Dawn Service. The 40-strong group "would
still be able to provide some support to the services", McLeod said.

And the New Zealand Chunuk Bair service will be delivered one way or another,
the NZDF confirmed.

"Our outstanding vocalist, Lance Corporal Bryony Williams will sing anthems
without accompaniment and we have a guitar to support our Maori Cultural
group in singing waiata," McLeod said.

"We are grateful for the support of the Australian Defence Force in helping
deliver our service.

"Efforts were made to source musical instruments locally but it had proved
very difficult to find the right instruments, particularly given local bands'
participation in Turkish services."

Many of the group who arrived with only carry-on luggage have been able to
buy clothing and other necessities.

Rehearsals have been carried out as planned in anticipation of the luggage
arriving in time.

--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A44 2020/02/04 (Windows/64)
 * Origin: S.W.A.T.S BBS Telnet swatsbbs.ddns.net:2323 (63:10/102)

.