Able musician Orson Paine at the Anzac Day dawn service in Gallipoli on 25 April 2024. Photo: Supplied / NZDF
A commander involved in Anzac Day services in Gallipoli is proud of his contingent for rising to the challenge after their luggage was lost in transit.
New Zealand Defence Force representatives played a full part in the ceremonies, despite earlier uncertainty after uniforms and instruments went missing during the Dubai floods last week.
But Major Peter Bowyer said Kiwi ingenuity got them through, with the uniforms they did have being swapped and resized.
"As the commander, I'm just so proud of the contingent for what they've done. There were some challenges but I think we've [made] a fantastic representation."
The uniforms they did get back in time were swapped and resized, as members without roles in the ceremony wore civilian clothes, Bowyer said.
Meanwhile, the Anzac spirit helped ensure the Royal New Zealand Navy's bugle player could perform The Last Post.
Able musician Orson Paine's bugle never made it, but a member of the Australia Defence Force band loaned him their cornet, Bowyer said.
Traditionally The Last Post is played on a bugle, but he said Paine was a professional.
"He's a very capable musician and I'm sure he would have provided a very good Last Post ... on anything."
