Anzac Day 2025: Murray Bridge remembers
A family which sent three sons to fight in World War I is among those to have been honoured during a dawn service at Sturt Reserve.
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More than 1000 people have gathered in the darkness before dawn to remember the sacrifices of military veterans, past and present, on Anzac Day in Murray Bridge.
On the 110th anniversary of the Anzacs’ landing at Gallipoli, almost all was right at Friday morning’s service, held beneath the gum trees at Sturt Reserve: the air was cool, speeches were audible and the crowd was respectful.
Many local families – perhaps most of them – had been touched by war in some way, said Murray Bridge RSL president Rod Harris.
Given special mention was Murray Bridge’s Bradford family, which gave three sons to the empire during World War I.
Between them, they won three Military Medals for bravery in the field, and all three served at Gallipoli.
The eldest brother, John, was badly wounded there, returned to Australia and was discharged.
Middle brother Sidney enlisted at the same time, likewise was wounded at Gallipoli, and later won his medal at Pozieres and Messines in France before a second injury sent him home.
The youngest brother, Clement, signed up and was sent to Gallipoli later in 1915; he would also serve with distinction on the western front, earning his medal for courage on the Somme and a bar to that medal for gallantry and devotion to duty at St Quentin.
However, he became ill while on leave in England in 1918, and died of heart failure in an Australian auxiliary hospital at the age of 22.
Murray Bridge brothers John, Sid and Clem Bradford all served at Gallipoli during World War I; only two of them would return home. Photos: Virtual War Memorial.
“The Bradford family … were one of many families who made a commitment to the war effort, having dedicated their three sons,” Mr Harris said.
“It is astounding that the sons from the same family from Murray Bridge were awarded three Military Medals for bravery.
“Councillor PJ Bradford, their father, must have been a proud man.”
Warrant Officer Glenn Buckley also gave a tribute at the service, to the loyalty, selflessness and courage of service members past and present; while army chaplain Stephen Albrecht led a prayer.
Rod Harris and Glenn Buckley speak at the service, while wreaths lie in front of the memorial afterwards. Photos: Peri Strathearn.
The morning had begun with a marching-in by members of the RSL shortly before 6am.
More than 30 wreaths were laid in honour of the fallen, including by Mayor Wayne Thorley, RSL members and representatives of local emergency service brigades, schools, service clubs and other organisations.
A member of Murray Bridge Community Concert Band played the Last Post, and the band the national anthem, as the first hints of sunrise coloured the cool grey clouds.
Only as the crowd dispersed did shafts of gold begin to become visible in the sky.
Hundreds traversed the bridge over to the RSL for a cooked breakfast after the service.
- Watch a replay of the service: www.facebook.com/newsmurraybridge.
- More photos: Anzac Day breakfast at Murray Bridge RSL
