Thirsty diggers blame Kiwi brass for Anzac day booze ban

Aussie soldiers serving in Iraq have blamed New Zealand commanders for an Anzac Day alcohol ban.

The diggers, attached to the Joint Anzac Task Group stationed at the Taji base, near Baghdad, say they're all the more miffed by the prohibition because usually a dram to fallen comrades is allowed on the day.

"It's frustrating to think that even in Afghanistan we were allowed to have a rum in our coffee on Anzac Day," one soldier told the ABC.

"But here the Kiwis have pushed to ban alcohol completely."

But Australian Vice Air Marshal Tim Innes begs to differ.

"Considering where we are and what we're doing on this operation I think it's entirely appropriate and I have not heard one comment (from the soldiers) whatsoever regarding that," he said, insisting that the ban had nothing to do with his Kiwi counterparts.

"We chose not to serve alcohol here."