As the desert sky turned gold, Australian, New Zealand and British forces stood together in the Middle East to commemorate Anzac Day and those who gave their lives.
More than 100 solemn faces paused in reflection during the dawn service held at Headquarters Middle East, located at Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates.
An introduction was delivered to guests before the joint Australian and New Zealand catafalque party slow-marched into position.
An invocation of The story of the Anzac was shared with reverence, followed by the Soldier's Prayer and Anzac Requiem.
As the sun rose higher, flags were lowered to half-mast, the Ode was recited and the Last Post echoed in the desert air.
Commander Headquarters Middle East Captain Brett Westcott said the service was a powerful moment of shared remembrance.
"In my 36 years in uniform and countless Anzac Days, I don't think I've been in a base or a unit where I've been co-located with both our New Zealand Anzac partners and a UK contingent," Captain Westcott said.
He said Anzac Day was equally significant to New Zealanders, who stood alongside Australian troops on the battlefield.
"Anzac Day holds a very special place in the hearts of our Kiwi brethren who were forged under fire at exactly the same time," Captain Westcott said.
Royal New Zealand Air Force medic Corporal William Langford was part of the catafalque party and said the experience was special to share with the Australians.
"It's pretty cool to join up with the other half of Anzac, see how they commemorate and notice the cultural differences but also similarities," Corporal Langford said.
'Anzac Day holds a very special place in the hearts of our Kiwi brethren who were forged under fire at exactly the same time.'
He said though his drill and weapon were completely different there were still similarities in the service.
"Their drill style is quite different to ours - it looks very different on parade," Corporal Langford said.
Marking his first deployment and Anzac Day overseas, Royal Australian Air Force Corporal Kye Clerke took pride in standing in the catafalque party.
"It was cool to see two countries come together in uniform but still keep their own traditions," Corporal Clerke said.
"Being over here on my first deployment, doing my first Anzac Day and being in the catafalque party just makes it all feel more real. It's something I'll remember forever."
For Australian Army quartermaster Corporal Tahnee Montgomerie, who also took part in the joint catafalque party, this Anzac Day was about honouring legacy while serving overseas.
"It's a day to stop, reflect, remember those before us and be grateful for what we have and what we're able to do," Corporal Montgomerie said.
"It was a cool experience coming together with people from all over."
Headquarters Middle East also supported dawn services in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, providing an ADF contribution to services popular among a large Australian community - reflecting the commitment to honouring service and sacrifice wherever members are deployed.
