Anniversary events will include planting a seedling from the Lone Pine and a tour of the grave sites of servicemen and women from World War I.

Warrnambool RSL committee member Doug Heazlewood said the battle was a high point of the Gallipoli campaign.

“These actions have become the most celebrated of the time, forming the dramatic climax to the film Gallipoli,” Mr Heazlewood said.

“Lone Pine was the most significant battle in the whole campaign and was a very vigorously fought engagement which cost both sides dearly. The experience remained in the minds of those who took part as a most fearful memory and a benchmark for the severity of later engagements for the soldiers of both sides.”

Mr Heazelwood said the battle was hard-fought.

“The first waves of the assault on the Ottoman positions at Walkers Ridge and the Nek were made by Light Horse units recruited in Western Victoria,” he said.

“Two of the infantry battalions involved in the bitter fighting on the Lone Pine position itself were likewise recruited in Western Victoria.  More than 100 of the names on the Australian memorial at Lone Pine are those of Warrnambool men.”

Denis Napthine will be the guest speaker at the service, which begins at 11am and Councillor Rob Askew will lay a wreath on behalf of the mayor.

Mr Heazelwood said the tour of the cemetery would be conducted throughout the older plots, which are located closer towards the Hopkins River.

From World War I there are 400 graves of servicemen and women and a leatherbound guide is being prepared for visitors to follow the walk.

“We owe a great debt to our ANZAC veterans,” Mr Heazelwood said.

“It’s the 100^th anniversary of the best known battle of the entire Gallipoli campaign.”

There will also be an exhibition, Warrnambool During the Great War, on display at Heritage Works in Gilles Street and living history displays featuring the Gallipoli Campaign, at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. 

Lunch will be available following the service at the Warrnambool RSL.