Chance to honour family military heritage

With Anzac Day fast approaching, members of Australia’s Federation Guard (AFG) are preparing for one of the most significant events in the Australian commemorative calendar.

CAPTION: Able Seaman Joshua Bishenden, Private Daniel Barlow and Able Seaman Mitchell Rigney at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra during final preparations for Anzac Day 2025. Story by Captain Katy Manning. Photo by Corporal Nicole Dorrett. 

AFG will play a central ceremonial role at the Anzac Day dawn service at the Australian National Memorial near Villers-Bretonneux, a place forever etched in the story of Australian sacrifice during World War 1.

For many in the contingent, it will be their first time supporting Anzac Day activities overseas, making the experience especially poignant.

Private Daniel Barlow, who is participating in his first Anzac Day in France, said the responsibility felt heavy and deeply meaningful – especially with his family’s military history.

CAPTION: Private Daniel Barlow from Australia’s Federation Guard visits the Australian War Memorial in Canberra during final preparations for Anzac Day 2025. Photo by Corporal Michael Currie.

“My great-great-uncle Private John William Barlow fought and died at the Battle of the Somme on July 1, 1916,” he said.

“He was 25 years old when he was sent over. He is buried at Blighty Valley Cemetery, Authuille Wood, France.

“To be selected to represent our armed forces overseas, showing respect to the fallen that have fought and died there and to possibly see my family member’s grave – it’s very special.”

Able Seaman Joshua Bishenden, also marking his first Anzac Day in France, shared a similar connection. His great-grandfather served in France, winning a Military Medal south of the Battle of the Somme for his gallantry.

CAPTION: Able Seaman Joshua Bishenden from Australia’s Federation Guard at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra during final preparations for Anzac Day 2025. Photo by Corporal Nicole Dorrett.

“Service runs deep in my family. My father served in the Army for 25 years, I’m now serving, and my great-grandfather also served,” Able Seaman Bishenden said.

“It’s an incredible honour to wear the uniform and represent the military overseas; to be picked for such a solemn and wholesome task is very surreal for me.”

Preparations have included extensive drill training months in advance to ensure every movement is executed with precision.

The Australian Ambassador to France will lead the official dawn service, which is expected to draw hundreds of Australians as well as locals.

The town, famously liberated by Australian troops on April 25, 1918, remains a symbol of the bond between France and Australia.

Signs throughout the area still carry the words “N’oublions jamais I’Australie” – “Never forget Australia”.

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