Breakfast served, Anzac style

COFFEE and rum were on the breakfast menu at the Ballarat RSL following this year’s dawn service.

It’s part of an Anzac Day tradition known as a gunfire breakfast, a term which comes from the cup of tea soldiers were served after their gruelling early morning work.

“In World War One recruits in training always had gunfire supplied to them, it was the meal they had served to them before they went on with their day,” said RSL compensation advocate Phil Carter.

An early morning drink was part of the routine for many soldiers to provide a form of liquid courage.

Tea was the traditional accompaniment for troops but these days coffee is more common.

Organisers were working hard preparing eggs, bacon and sausages from 4.30am to ensure everything was ready to go.

However, soldiers back in the day would have been more likely to have stew, sausages, or bread.

“The important thing about the breakfast now is that after the dawn service it allows the veterans to get together before the march,” said Mr Carter.

“They can see their mates, maybe have a few beers and most importantly have comradery.”

Mr Carter also said it is a way for the RSL to give back to the community and commemorate the day with organisers staying for upwards of 15 hours to make sure events run smoothly.

Bev Shears was one of the volunteers serving up breakfast to attendees.

“I’ve done it ever since we’ve been doing it, we used to do it in front of the RSL hall and then in front of the George Hotel and now up here,” she said.

“I love it, you meet so many people who are all very thankful.”

She said it’s important we continue to commemorate Anzac Day to remember everyone who was involved.

“We never forget,” she said.