ANZAC Anniversary Day. Commemorative menu and program for the First ANZAC commemoration, 25th April 1916 in London, AUTOGRAPHED by Attendees de [W.W.I.] - 1916

London, 1916. Pamphlet. "A banquet will be held by the Anzacs of Rouen to commemorate the landing of the Australian and New-Zealand troops on the Peninsular. At the Restaurant Britannia on Tuesday 25th April 1916, at 7- p.m. Sergt. J. J. Medley Secretary. Capt. May Chairman. " So begins the description of an unrecorded menu for a commemorative dinner for the FIRST ANZAC DAY, given in London while the First World War continued to rage on. This would have been the culmination of a day which included the march of more than 2,000 Australian and New Zealand troops, called by a local newspaper "the knights of Gallipoli". This was the day that the 25th April was officially named ANZAC Day. It was also commemorated in ceremonies and services in Australia & New Zealand and a sports day in the Australian camp in Egypt. ANZAC day remains one of the most important national occasions of both Australia and New Zealand. The menu was autographed by approximately 16 attendees. Most were Australians, but also include three New Zealanders and one British lieutenant. These include L. Tiptaft, head of the Executive Committee; H.J. Brigden, who gave one of the speeches and was from the 1st Aus. Div Train. William Button's signature demands attention, "Billy Button Lt. 11th ASC". He was with the 4th Pioneers, mustered in 4 Aug 1915, m/o 5 Apr 1919 (Service #3701). Warrant Officer G.J. Russell, the treasurer of the Executive Committed signed "Geo. Russell". Other autographs include F. Cass ATO, A.R Section Australia (Service #1213); L. Durand R.N N.Z. ASC; Thos. Lawless, N.Z.E.F. Captain; T. Lloyd Lieut.; A.W. Millar, 2nd Aust. DUS 11th A.S.C. 1st Div; A. P Morrice W.O. 4th DUS (Service #58604); Harold N. Nichols "Old Nick," 12th Aus. Infantry, (Service # 63314); A. C. Orr 3rd A D U S; G.R. Painton, Major RA; L.C. Parker Lt. Dac Recats (poss. Leslie Clive Parker, Major, GBR); R.N. Prowse 5th A.L.U 25/4/16 1st Div (Service #8658); W.D. Young; TL Hindley 2/ Lieut. N.Z. The Menu makes liberal use of the names of the locations and battles in Gallipoli. Under the heading "RATIONS A la Gallipoli" is listed Soup - Creme "Walker's Ridge" and Consomme "Quinn's Post". Fish lists Lemon Soles de la "Brighton Beach". Entree's include "ANZAC" Cutlets and Sauce a la "Beachy Bill". the Joint is "Hellspit" Roast filet beef. Vegetables include Potatoes de la "Daisy Patch" and Peas a la "Shrapnel Gully" Sweet - Savarin "Lone Pine". Under desserts, Fruits a la "Sari Bair" and Cafe "Queen Lizzie". Under Medical Comforts "Table Top" white burgundy, "Russell's Top" red burgundy, Fronsac de "Gaba Tepe", St-Estephe "971" and sparkling "Birdwood". Under the heading "Toast List" are a selection of songs & musical selections - Boys of the Dardanelles, Mother Macree, Neita Gitana, The Anzacs will be There, Come Sing to Me, Make Me the King of your Heart". These are sung & played by Pvte. George Bernard Duggan (Service # 8642), Pvte G. Johnstone, Sgt. H. Hunt, Corp. Ward, Pvte G. Hockley, Pvte W. March, Pvte W. Todd, Pvte Alfred Richard Boulter (Service # 8621), Pvte. G. Polworth and Sgt. G. Bitossi. The speeches are entitled "The Army and Navy" (Lieut. Dick), Reply to "the Anzacs", (Lieut. G. Gardiner) and "Our AIN Folk" (Lieut. H.J. Brigden). The toast to Fallen Comrades is given by J. J. Medley. Officers of the Executive Committee are Leslie Roy Tiptaft (2653), 1st Aus DUS; Secretary Sergt. J. J. Medley, Treasurer Warrant Officer G.J. Russell, and others (V. Delaney, G. Bitossi, R. Bassham and J.T. Hyde. Under "General Committee" is listed Sergt. R.J. Lawrence, Corporal Flood, Corporal Henderson, Pvte N.C. Wright, Pvte J.N. Robinson, Pvte G.J. Hockley, Pvte H.W. Latimer, Pvte G.B. Walker, Pvte G. Johnston & Sergt. J. Wareham. 5 1/8 x 7 7/8", 4pp, printed on tan paper in green. Old fold in the center which has become closed tears at either end; corners rubbed, overall dusty, sml. corner loss at top inner corner. the remains of some paper tape on the back along the crack. A RARE SURVIVAL.