Stonefall Cemetery hosts first-ever ANZAC Day commemorations

Stonefall Cemetery, Harrogate, hosted its first-ever ANZAC Day commemorative ceremony on Sunday 24^th April.

The ceremony honoured the ANZAC burials at Stonefall, representing over 100 Royal Australian Air Force and Royal New Zealand Air Force servicemen the cemetery commemorates.

The event was organised by Kate Spencer of Harrogate International Partnerships. Kate is responsible for looking after twinning operations and relations with Harrogate and New Zealand capital Wellington.

Speaking before the event, Kate said: “I felt it was the right thing to do for these young airmen who, like thousands upon thousands of others, saw their lives cut drastically short in service of their country and the Commonwealth.

“I have the full backing of the RNZAF and Wellington City Council, who are delighted that this inaugural ceremony will now be put in place this year and for many more years to come. With the help and support of Colin Gibbs BEM and Elizabeth Smith of the CWGC, the ceremony will be a fine tribute to honour all these young Australians and New Zealanders who lie here together.”

Sub Lieutenant Andrew Chisholm of the Royal New Zealand Navy who attended the ANZAC ceremony at Stonefall Cemetery said: “It is an honour to be here for Harrogate's inaugural ceremony and it means a great deal to both sides of the Tasman Sea to commemorate ANZAC Day at the gravesites of those who have served in armed conflict and those who have sacrificed their lives for their country,” 

Stonefall Cemetery holds 1,000 Commonwealth burials, including the Australian and Kiwi casualties mentioned above. It is the Commission’s largest site in the north of England and one of the few UK cemeteries designed in the style of our overseas sites.