As we experience a very different ANZAC Day due to Covid restrictions, we look back at the ANZAC Day commemorations held in Cowes 99 years ago.
The following article, provided by island historian John Jansson, was taken from the Frankston and Somerville Standard, April 28, 1922.

An out-door service in celebration of ANZAC Day was held in the Soldiers’ Memorial Reserve outside the Isle of Wight Hotel at Cowes at 3pm, and was attended by a large gathering from all parts of the Island.

The Reverend Chas Clarke, (father of Australian historian Manning Clark) of St Philip’s Church of England, had been in communication with the authorities at the Naval Base (Cerberus across the bay) to request assistance with the celebration.

And with the kind permission of the Commandant, the vessel “Koorong” conveyed a contingent of some 30 men under Warrant-Officer Beale, and a band of 15 instrumentalists under Bandmaster McCarthy, to participate.

Phillip Island’s 28 returned men assembled at the Shire Hall, and headed by the band, marched past the residence of Mr Robert Walpole, whose keen interest in all matters pertaining to national welfare, and particularly those connected with the late war, was well known to all residents of the Island, but who, through failing health, was unable, to take part in any public functions.

The procession, after passing the Phillip Island Hotel, proceeded to the reserve, and took up a position to the left of the monument.

The service started with the singing of the well-known hymn, “Onward Christian Soldiers” led by a combined choir from the Anglican and Presbyterian Churches, with Miss Walpole presiding at the organ.

Chaplain Hennel led the assemblage in prayer, after which the choir sang “Land of Hope and Glory”, which was followed up by the hymn “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus”.

Mr Ashmore then read the 145th Psalm, after which the choir sang “The Long Day Closes”.

The names of the fallen were then read, and the Last Post sounded while soldiers and sailors stood at salute.

The hymn, “O God, Our Help in Ages Past'” was followed by an address by Rev Clark, who reminded those assembled that seven years ago on that day, in the grey dawn, there silently approached the shores of Gallipoli our men, who after a hurried landing, made good their position, but at a great sacrifice, and that sacrifice is held up to us as an inspiration to higher and better service.

The hymn, “For All the Saints” was then sung, followed by the school children singing “The Anzac Song” and the service was brought to a close with the National Anthem.

After the service all the returned sailors and soldiers, at the invitation of Mr AKT Sambell, had afternoon tea at The Isle of Wight.