A GOOD turn-up of young people at this year’s Anzac dawn service in Fremantle was a good sign for the future, says local RSL vice-president Robert Fittock.

Mr Fittock says last year’s centenary celebrations had probably given the tradition a boost, although he’s now looking forward to next year’s 100th anniversary of the end of World War 1, which he’ll observe from the French town of Villers-Bretoneux, site of a famous battle in which 2400 Australians and 9500 British soldiers lost their lives.

Fremantle mayor Brad Pettitt said numbers were probably slightly higher than last year, which was a bit of a surprise for the city which expected a slight reduction following last year’s centenary

“And then I think we had one of the biggest marches, in terms of numbers marching,” Dr Pettitt said.

• Former Nasho Harry Shepherd

• Photo by Bob Sommerville

But he says this year’s most memorable Anzac moment was in North Fremantle, with the tiny town centre crowded with several hundred people paying their respects.

“It was amazing for a small community,” Dr Pettitt said.