Torquay honours historic ties to New Zealand troops this ANZAC day

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ANZAC Day was formally commemorated in Torquay with two remembrance events honouring members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.

The commemorations paid tribute to servicemen from both nations, including Royal New Zealand Air Force pilot William Beattie, who died at the age of 24 and is buried in the churchyard at St Mary the Virgin Church in St Marychurch. A wreath was laid in his memory during the service.

The first act of remembrance took place at midday on Thursday, 24 April, at the war memorial in Torquay Cemetery, situated behind the Dunelm building. A short ceremony was held to mark the occasion.

On ANZAC Day itself, Friday 25 April, a church service was held at St Mary the Virgin Church at 10am, followed by a gathering at the church’s lychgate war memorial. A Last Post service took place at 10:40am.

A separate ANZAC parade was also held in Paignton, where members of the Paignton Royal British Legion took part.

Torquay has a strong historical connection to New Zealand’s armed forces. During the First World War, many New Zealand soldiers recovered in the town, giving added significance to this year’s commemorations.

Local historian David Hinchliffe played a key role in bringing the remembrance to life. His 2023 lecture, Kiwis in Torquay, highlighted the town’s role in caring for some 28,000 New Zealand soldiers during the First World War. The talk inspired local organisers to begin planning a formal ANZAC tribute.

A spokesperson said: "As we reflect on our achievements in delivering two worthy events over two days in tribute to ANZAC service personnel, I would like to thank David Hinchliffe, whose research ignited the potential for what became a reality this 25 April.”

The service was led by Father Kenny, a former RAF chaplain, who was invited by Team Rector Fr Nick. Volunteers and community members came forward in large numbers, including representatives from the Royal British Legion, local schoolchildren, and members of the public.

The Australian and New Zealand flags were borne by David and Greg - a former member of the Royal New Zealand Air Force with ANZAC ceremonial leadership experience.  ANZAC biscuits were donated by a local bakery and distributed after the service.

Organisers expressed gratitude to the many individuals and businesses who contributed—from setting up the outdoor sound system to providing refreshments and guiding guests on the day. As one participant noted, “If I learnt anything from our first ANZAC remembrance, it is just how precious the additional people who carry out the fine-tuning and attention to detail are.”

Fr Nick’s phone, which supplied the music for the outdoor service, ran down to just one per cent battery by the final song—“By the grace of God,” organisers said, “we made it by the skin of our teeth.”

Planning is already under way for next year’s commemoration.