Dawn of a nation: Tens of thousands gather at sunrise to mark 99th anniversary of Gallipoli campaign – and the battles that defined the character of Australia

  • Anzac Day marks the doomed invasion of Gallipoli by Australian and New Zealand troops on April 25, 1915 
  • Soldiers sent to Turkey's Gallipoli peninsula under British orders - 11,500 Anzac troops died during the conflict
  • Aim was to open up Turkish waters to allies and seize Turkish capital, now Istanbul
  • The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge mark the end of their royal tour with a memorial service in Canberra 
    s

Almost a hundred years after Australians and New Zealanders led the charge in their bloodiest battle on foreign soil, tens of thousands have gathered at various places around the two countries to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice at Gallipoli in 1915.
Despite the failure to achieve military objectives on that fateful day 99 years ago, April 25 has since become a date when Australian and New Zealanders remember those who died in battle.
The huge Turkish losses are also remembered by thousands of soldiers who traveled to Gallipoli, with all countries involved paying their respects despite their fierce enmity almost a century ago.
Scroll down for video
A soldier salutes Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and the Governor General of Australia Peter Cosgrove as they inspect the march during an ANZAC Day commemorative service at the Australian War Memorial today
A soldier salutes Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and the Governor General of Australia Peter Cosgrove as they inspect the march during an ANZAC Day commemorative service at the Australian War Memorial today
Lest we forget: A member of the Mudgeeraba light horse troop takes part in the ANZAC dawn service at Currumbin Surf Life Saving Club on in the Gold Coast, Australia
Lest we forget: A member of the Mudgeeraba light horse troop takes part in the ANZAC dawn service at Currumbin Surf Life Saving Club on in the Gold Coast, Australia
We will remember them: Returned servicemen and their relatives march to Cranmer Square at this morning's dawn service in Christchurch, New Zealand
We will remember them: Returned servicemen and their relatives march to Cranmer Square at this morning's dawn service in Christchurch, New Zealand
Their name liveth for evermore: Wreaths are pictured on a plinth at a dawn memorial service on ANZAC Day at the Australian National War Memorial in Canberra, where thousands attended for the 99th ceremony this morning
Their name liveth for evermore: Wreaths are pictured on a plinth at a dawn memorial service on ANZAC Day at the Australian National War Memorial in Canberra, where thousands attended for the 99th ceremony this morning
For the fallen: Members of the Albert Battery shoot a volley of fire during the ANZAC dawn service at Currumbin Surf Life Saving Club on April 25, 2014 in the Gold Coast, Australia
For the fallen: Members of the Albert Battery shoot a volley of fire during the ANZAC dawn service at Currumbin Surf Life Saving Club on April 25, 2014 in the Gold Coast, Australia
A former soldier wearing poppies looks at a memorial in Cranmer Square in Christchurch, New Zealand as the sun comes up this morning
A former soldier wearing poppies looks at a memorial in Cranmer Square in Christchurch, New Zealand as the sun comes up this morning
A man places a poppy flower into the World War I Wall of Remembrance on ANZAC Day at the Australian National War Memorial in Canberra this morning
A man places a poppy flower into the World War I Wall of Remembrance on ANZAC Day at the Australian National War Memorial in Canberra this morning
Former soldiers place poppies at a Memorial in Cranmer Square in Christchurch, New Zealand to mark the 99th anniversary of the Battle of Gallipoli
Former soldiers place poppies at a Memorial in Cranmer Square in Christchurch, New Zealand to mark the 99th anniversary of the Battle of Gallipoli
Dawn service: Servicemen stand in silence near the Cenotaph during the Sydney Dawn Service
Dawn service: Servicemen stand in silence near the Cenotaph during the Sydney Dawn Service
Family history: An ANZAC veteran talks to a young man as the crowd gathers at the Cenotaph during the Sydney Dawn Service this morning
Family history: An ANZAC veteran talks to a young man as the crowd gathers at the Cenotaph during the Sydney Dawn Service this morning
Services were held at dawn in both Australia and New Zealand - at the time of the original 1915 landing. Ex-servicemen and women then carry out marches later in the day in Australia and New Zealand.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also made an unannounced surprise appearance at an Anzac Day service outside the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, marking the end of their three-week tour 
Special services were also held all over Sydney and Melbourne, as well as on the Gold Coast -  where members of the Mudgeeraba light horse troop took part at Currumbin Surf Life Saving Club.
Many also took the opportunity to lay remembrance wreaths at their respective services, while others pinned poppy flowers alongside the names of those lost in battle.
Over in Christchurch, New Zealand, returned servicemen and their relatives marched in Cranmer Square - a tradition that has occurred annually since World War I.
Veterans adorned with medals also paid their respects and remembered their comrades with notes, flowers and special, sentimental objects as well. 
Soldiers from Australia and New Zealand stand during the International Service in memory of the Gallipoli campaign in 1915. They are pictured here at the Mehmetcik monument in Gallipoli, Turkey
Soldiers from Australia and New Zealand stand during the International Service in memory of the Gallipoli campaign in 1915. They are pictured here at the Mehmetcik monument in Gallipoli, Turkey
Members of the Turkish Ottoman Band. The musical marching band is believed to be the oldest in the world. The troops came together to commemorate the Battle of Gallipoli
Members of the Turkish Ottoman Band. The musical marching band is believed to be the oldest in the world. The troops came together to commemorate the Battle of Gallipoli
Australian and New Zealand soldiers stand behind Turkish soldiers during the ceremony celebrating the 99th anniversary of Anzac Day at Canakkale on April 24, 2014
Australian and New Zealand soldiers stand behind Turkish soldiers during the ceremony celebrating the 99th anniversary of Anzac Day at Canakkale on April 24, 2014

Soldiers from Australia and New Zealand march during the International Service in recognition of the Gallipoli campaign at Mehmetcik monument in Gallipoli
Soldiers from Australia and New Zealand march during the International Service in recognition of the Gallipoli campaign at Mehmetcik monument in Gallipoli
A Turkish soldier salutes during the commemoration of the Battle of Gallipoli in front of the Turkish Mehmetcik Monument in Gallipoli
A Turkish soldier salutes during the commemoration of the Battle of Gallipoli in front of the Turkish Mehmetcik Monument in Gallipoli
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will attend an Anzac Day dawn service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. The service will mark the final day of the Royal Tour
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will attend an Anzac Day dawn service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. The service will mark the final day of the Royal Tour
A Turkish soldier stands holding a national flag to remember those who died in battle. On 19 May 1915, some 40,000 Turkish soldiers had been assembled to drive invaders out
A Turkish soldier stands holding a national flag to remember those who died in battle. On 19 May 1915, some 40,000 Turkish soldiers had been assembled to drive invaders out
A Turkish air force patroller flies overhead as a crowd gathers to watch the ceremony which marks the 99th anniversary of Anzac Day
A Turkish air force patroller flies overhead as a crowd gathers to watch the ceremony which marks the 99th anniversary of Anzac Day
Over the course of the eight-month campaign 11,500 troops were killed and some 86,000 Turkish troops are reported to have died
Over the course of the eight-month campaign 11,500 troops were killed and some 86,000 Turkish troops are reported to have died
In 1915, under British orders, troops from Australia and New Zealand embarked on an allied expedition to capture the Gallipoli peninsula. 
By colonising the peninsula it was hoped that Anzacs would open up to the waters up to the allied naval forces. From there, troops aimed to conquer Constantinople, now Istanbul.
But from the time the first boats landed before dawn on April 25, it was clear the campaign would be a catastrophic failure. Over the course of the eight-month mission, 11,500 troops died for precious little gain. Some 86,000 Turkish troops are reported to have been killed during the conflict. 
Marching on: A veteran is pushed in a wheelchair during the ANZAC Day parade, in Sydney this morning
Marching on: A veteran is pushed in a wheelchair during the ANZAC Day parade, in Sydney this morning
Ada Marchant from Canberra places a poppy flower for her two uncles, Herbert and George Heinecke, who both died in France during World War I, where their names are located on the Wall of Remembrance
Ada Marchant from Canberra places a poppy flower for her two uncles, Herbert and George Heinecke, who both died in France during World War I, where their names are located on the Wall of Remembrance
Spectators hold signs as veterans march past during the ANZAC Day parade in Sydney, where rain has failed to dampen the spirits of veterans marching down George St
Spectators hold signs as veterans march past during the ANZAC Day parade in Sydney, where rain has failed to dampen the spirits of veterans marching down George St
A war veteran uses a disposable rain coat to fend off the rain during the ANZAC Day parade in Sydney today
A war veteran uses a disposable rain coat to fend off the rain during the ANZAC Day parade in Sydney today
An Australian military officer salutes as expatriates from Australia and New Zealand offer wreaths at the Tomb-of-the-Unknown-Soldier during ceremony at the Heroes Cemetery in Fort Bonifacio, Makati City, east of Manila, Philippines
An Australian military officer salutes as expatriates from Australia and New Zealand offer wreaths at the Tomb-of-the-Unknown-Soldier during ceremony at the Heroes Cemetery in Fort Bonifacio, Makati City, east of Manila, Philippines
A Turkish air force patroller flies by as a Turkish soldier stands guard during the ceremony at Cannakale on April 24, 2014
A Turkish air force patroller flies by as a Turkish soldier stands guard during the ceremony at Cannakale on April 24, 2014
Turkish soldiers stand in line during the ceremony which marks the ill-fated Allied campaign to take the Dardanelles Strait from the Ottoman Empire on April 25 2014
Turkish soldiers stand in line during the ceremony which marks the ill-fated Allied campaign to take the Dardanelles Strait from the Ottoman Empire on April 25 2014
Brydie McDonald, 8, (L) and Flynn McDonald, 7, of New Zealand, visit Anzac cemetery prior to a dawn service in Anzac Cove in commemoration of the 'Gallipoli Campaign' ('Battle of Canakkale') on the Gallipoli peninsula, Turkey
Brydie McDonald, 8, (L) and Flynn McDonald, 7, of New Zealand, visit Anzac cemetery prior to a dawn service in Anzac Cove in commemoration of the 'Gallipoli Campaign' ('Battle of Canakkale') on the Gallipoli peninsula, Turkey
Wreaths and personalised messages are laid on the Cenotaph during the Sydney Dawn Service on April 25, 2014 in Sydney, Australia, to remember those who died in battle 99 years ago
Wreaths and personalised messages are laid on the Cenotaph during the Sydney Dawn Service on April 25, 2014 in Sydney, Australia, to remember those who died in battle 99 years ago
Royal respect: Kate and William attend Anzac Day unexpectedly at a dawn service outside the Australian War Memorial in Canberra
Royal respect: Kate and William attend Anzac Day unexpectedly at a dawn service outside the Australian War Memorial in Canberra
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, lay a wreath on ANZAC Day at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, Australia
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, lay a wreath on ANZAC Day at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, Australia
Prince William and his wife Kate watch a fly pass during an ANZAC Day commemorative service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra
Prince William and his wife Kate watch a fly pass during an ANZAC Day commemorative service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra
Britain's Prince William and his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, place poppy flowers on the World War One Wall of Remembrance during their visit to the Australian National War Memorial
Britain's Prince William and his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, place poppy flowers on the World War One Wall of Remembrance during their visit to the Australian National War Memorial
A service themed projection is displayed at Martin Place during the Sydney Dawn Service in Sydney, Australia
A service themed projection is displayed at Martin Place during the Sydney Dawn Service in Sydney, Australia
Thousands attend a dawn memorial service on ANZAC Day at the Australian National War Memorial in Canberra April 25, 2014
Thousands attend a dawn memorial service on ANZAC Day at the Australian National War Memorial in Canberra April 25, 2014
Chief of the Royal Australian Navy, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs (C), salutes during Anzac Day services at the Cenotaph in Hong Kong this morning
Chief of the Royal Australian Navy, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs (C), salutes during Anzac Day services at the Cenotaph in Hong Kong this morning
The silhouette of an Australian armed forces officer is captured as he salutes during the ANZAC Day dawn service at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia
The silhouette of an Australian armed forces officer is captured as he salutes during the ANZAC Day dawn service at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia
A veteran tips his hat during the ANZAC Day parade, in Sydney, Friday, April 25, 2014, commemorating the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during the First World War
A veteran tips his hat during the ANZAC Day parade, in Sydney, Friday, April 25, 2014, commemorating the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during the First World War
Attendees hold lights and an Australian national flag during a dawn memorial service for soldiers who died during World War Two on ANZAC Day at Hellfire Pass in Kanchanaburi province, west of Bangkok
Attendees hold lights and an Australian national flag during a dawn memorial service for soldiers who died during World War Two on ANZAC Day at Hellfire Pass in Kanchanaburi province, west of Bangkok
Anzac troops were brought ashore in boats to the Dardanelles. Some Anzac soldiers failed to even reach the shore or became trapped between the sea and the hills
Today soldiers from Australia and New Zealand marched to remember their fallen troops
Then and now: Anzac troops were brought ashore in boats to the Dardanelles. Some Anzac soldiers failed to even reach the shore or became trapped between the sea and the hills. Today, right, troops remembered those who had died during the eight-month conflict
This painting by Cyrus Cuneo shows troops landing on the beach at Gallipoli on April 25 1915
This painting by Cyrus Cuneo shows troops landing on the beach at Gallipoli on April 25 1915
Turkish troops pictured leaving their trenches to charge into battle with French and British troops in the early stages of the Gallipoli campaign in 1915
Turkish troops pictured leaving their trenches to charge into battle with French and British troops in the early stages of the Gallipoli campaign in 1915

Troops are pictured in 1915 at Gallipoli during World War One. 20,761 British, Australian and New Zealand soldiers were killed during the failed invasion
Troops are pictured in 1915 at Gallipoli during World War One. 20,761 British, Australian and New Zealand soldiers were killed during the failed invasion
Anzac troops are pictured being shipped to the Dardanelles. During the eight-month bloody fight thousands of the soldiers were killed
Anzac troops are pictured being shipped to the Dardanelles. During the eight-month bloody fight thousands of the soldiers were killed
Anzacs resting before battle in front of their dugout in Turkey. The 25th of April was officially declared Anzac Day in 1916
Anzacs resting before battle in front of their dugout in Turkey. The 25th of April was officially declared Anzac Day in 1916
Anzac troops charge a Turkish trench but find it deserted upon arrival. While the campaign was a disaster, it is seen as a defining period in the national character of both countries
Anzac troops charge a Turkish trench but find it deserted upon arrival. While the campaign was a disaster, it is seen as a defining period in the national character of both countries
An Anzac soldier carriesd a wounded comrade through the battlefield in 1915
An Anzac soldier carriesd a wounded comrade through the battlefield in 1915
Heavy guns are brought onto shore in October 1915. The huge Howitzer gun was used to blast Turkish enemies out of their trenches with limited success
Heavy guns are brought onto shore in October 1915. The huge Howitzer gun was used to blast Turkish enemies out of their trenches with limited success
Anzac troops and their stores on a beach at Gallipoli. At the camp, troops cared for their wounded and kept their provisions in crates offloaded from boats and piled onto the beach
Anzac troops and their stores on a beach at Gallipoli. At the camp, troops cared for their wounded and kept their provisions in crates offloaded from boats and piled onto the beach
Sandbags were piled up at the camp in Gallipoli and ammunition was lined up to fight off Turkish troops. Makeshift huts were also built to provide some shelter from the elements
Sandbags were piled up at the camp in Gallipoli and ammunition was lined up to fight off Turkish troops. Makeshift huts were also built to provide some shelter from the elements
A stretcher carries the of one of the wounded Anzac troops arriving in Cairo, Egypt, from Gallipoli
A stretcher carries the of one of the wounded Anzac troops arriving in Cairo, Egypt, from Gallipoli
Anzac Day was made official in 1916. Pictured here Lord Kitchener, left, known for appearing on the 'Your Country Needs You' posters. The members of the British army gathered to commemorate Anzac Day during a memorial parade in London on April 25 1916
Anzac Day was made official in 1916. Pictured here Lord Kitchener, left, known for appearing on the 'Your Country Needs You' posters. The members of the British army gathered to commemorate Anzac Day during a memorial parade in London on April 25 1916