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Australian Defence Force members have joined representatives from a range of allied countries in Egypt to commemorate the 83rd anniversary of the Battle of El Alamein.
The ADF members joined representatives from New Zealand, Fiji, France, Germany and Italy to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers of the battle, which was a key turning point in World War II as part of the North Africa campaign.
James Wilson, Regimental Sergeant Major Warrant Officer Class 1, said the Australian contingent at the ceremony were reminded of the weight of the nearly six thousand Anzac troops who lost their lives throughout the campaign.
“Standing in El Alamein, surrounded by the graves of those who gave everything, reminded us of the strength, resilience and unity of one of our greatest generations.”
“Their sacrifice in unforgiving conditions laid the foundation for the freedoms we enjoy today.”
ADF members who attended the ceremony are currently deployed in Sinai, Egypt, as a part of Operation Mazurka.
This operation underpins Australia’s contribution to the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO), which is an international peacekeeping organisation focused on overseeing the provisions and terms of the Egypt–Israel Peace Treaty since 1981.
“To walk the ground they fought on and remember their sacrifice was a rare and meaningful experience for the Australian soldiers and aviators currently deployed on Operation Mazurka,” WO1 Wilson said.
The MFO is composed of 13 “troop contributing nations”, including the United States, Canada, Norway, Japan, and the United Kingdom, to name a few.
