Soon after, they were fighting as members of the Wellington Mounted Rifles in Egypt and Palestine. 

Yesterday, two of their descendants – one from Panmure in Australia and the other from Panmure in New Zealand – shared Anzac Day together in Panmure, Australia. 

Padre of the Mt Wellington-Panmure Returned Services Association (RSA) Major Colin Burgess was a special guest at a bigger-than-usual Anzac Day ceremony in Panmure, Australia.

His father, Sergeant Frederick Arthur Burgess, fought alongside Sergeant Alfred Hampton Barwick, whose granddaughter is Lisette Mill, a resident of Panmure, Australia.

Both sergeants survived their tours of duty, returning to their homes in Gisbourne, New Zealand and remaining lifelong friends.

Major Burgess noted that in New Zealand, Panmure and Ellerslie are located close to each other, just as in south-west Victoria.

“That they’re next to each other in two countries is incredible but (the family connection between Lisette and myself) is even more incredible,” he said.

“And even though one (Panmure) is a suburb in a large city (Auckland) and the other is a country town, both are striving to preserve our culture and our history.

“We are hoping to develop a sister relationship between the Panmures.”

Major Burgess was presented with an Australian flag and said it was hoped that a member of the Panmure Action Group would be able to attend Anzac Day celebrations in Panmure, New Zealand next year so the gesture could be reciprocated.

Ms Mill said there would be plenty of Panmure Action Group members happy to make the trip next year, including herself.

“We’re really delighted that the Mt Wellington-Panmure RSA could spare their padre of 15 years to come here to be part of today,” she said.

Ms Mill said it was hoped seeds from Warrnambool’s Lone Pine could be taken to New Zealand as a gift.

The Panmure march and service also featured a flyover by a Beechcraft Kingair 350, courtesy of the RAAF.

Veteran Mary Harris of Panmure also unveiled a plaque detailing the names of the Panmure soldiers who didn’t return from World War II.

The New Zealand theme was strong throughout the day, with both Aussie and Kiwi flags being raised and the anthems of both nations being sung by local students.

The ceremony was followed by a special tribute to Panmure veteran Maurie Shanahan, who passed away earlier this year.