A service in Milford Haven today, Saturday, April 25, will commemorate the lives of Antipodean troops lost during the First World War.

One of Australia’s most important national occasions, Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.

On April 25, 1915, the Anzacs – troops of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps – took part in an Allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula.

What had been planned as a deft campaign ended up lasting eight months, as soldiers came up against fierce resistance from the Ottoman Turkish defenders.

There were heavy casualties, not only from the fighting, but from the extremely unsanitary conditions, which included intense heat, swarms of flies, body lice and lack of water.

The stench of rotting corpses, dysentery epidemics, and the unforgiving and inhospitable terrain resulted in Gallipoli being known as one of the worst fighting fronts of the First World War.

In addition to the British dead – and the thousands of casualties – more than 8,000 Australian soldiers were killed before troops were evacuated in January 1916.

To mark the centenary, Milford Haven Royal British Legion will be holding a memorial service at the war memorial on Hamilton Terrace at 6am.

Legion member Frank Stammars said services were traditionally held at first light, as this is when troops would stand to be counted to see how many of them had survived the night.

“This one is so special, we felt it only right to hold it at the right time,” said Mr Stammars, who has organised the event for the last five years.

“We’re hoping to get a trumpeter to play the last post, which I think would be eerie and beautiful.”

Mr Stammars’ great uncle – originally from Haverfordwest – died in Gallipoli, just a month before the campaign ended.

He said it was vital to recognise the sacrifices they had made for the war.

As well as those with an Australian or New Zealand connection, Legion members throughout the county will also be paying tribute to those who died.

Chaplain Steve Trayner will lead the service. Refreshments at the , and it will be followed by bacon rolls back at the Royal British Legion Club.