Just before dawn, the winter team at Casey research station in Antarctica, gathered at the station’s flagpole.

Defence Force Naval Officer veteran Rebecca Jeffcoat led the ceremony.

Commander Jeffcoat is stationed in the Antarctica as Casey’s station leader, and has been a navy officer since 1990.

“I’ve been to many Anzac Day events over the years and today’s service, held against a backdrop of icebergs in Newcomb Bay, is one I will never forget,” Commander Jeffcoat said.

“We lowered the Australian flag to half-mast, listened to several readings and held the traditional two minutes of silence.

“The service was especially poignant as expeditioners took the opportunity to proudly share their family member’s service experience; in the Boer War, lost at sea in World War II and in Afghanistan.

“As we dig in for a long winter, we can imagine some of the challenges our defence men and women face when deployed to far-off and often hostile places, away from their families, in service of their country.”

A gun-fire breakfast warmed up the expeditioners, in the minus-15 degree temperatures.

They will continue the day with games of two-up, and watching a live broadcast of the Anzac Day AFL game.

The Examiner