Honouring commitment and sacrifice in France

As Anzac Day approaches, Army Sergeant Jonathan Apps is preparing for one of the most meaningful duties of his career – representing the nation at memorial services in France as part of Australia’s Federation Guard (AFG).

CAPTION: Army soldier Sergeant Jonathan Apps, of Australia’s Federation Guard, with his daughters and a picture of his great-grandfather at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, during preparations for Anzac Day 2025. Story. y Captain Katy Manning. Photo by Leading Seaman Kylie Jagiello.

Set to travel to Villers-Bretonneux, one of the famous battlefields on the Western Front, Sergeant Apps will join a contingent of troops taking part in services honouring Australian soldiers who fought and died on foreign soil more than a century ago.

“This isn’t just another posting; every day is different,” Sergeant Apps said.

“To stand where our diggers fought, especially on Anzac Day, is an enormous privilege.”

Sergeant Apps comes from a proud military family spanning three generations. His great-grandfather served in the Royal Air Force and survived World War 1.

His great-uncle served with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Infantry during World War 1 and was killed in action and buried near Roye, about half an hour from Amiens, where the AFG contingent is staying.

“Every generation has answered the call in their own way,” he said.

“For me, being part of Australia’s Federation Guard and representing the ADF at international commemorations is one way I honour their legacy.”

Known for its precision and professionalism, AFG is the ADF’s official ceremonial unit.

In preparation for the ceremonies in France, Sergeant Apps has been perfecting drill movements, rehearsing protocols and attending briefings on the historical significance of the locations.

“The preparation is about more than just getting the steps right,” he said.

“It’s about respecting the weight of the moment, every moment, every salute; it all matters.”

At home in Canberra, Sergeant Apps’ two daughters, Poppy and Maija, are excited to watch their dad represent his country in France.

“My daughters have been involved in Anzac Day since before they could walk, and I’ve made sure to foster in them an appreciation of service,” he said.

Balancing service and fatherhood is a constant challenge, but one Sergeant Apps embraces with pride.

With the support of his family and the wider Defence community, he’s determined to show his daughters the meaning of commitment and sacrifice.

“I want them to see that honouring the past and serving your country are things to be proud of,” he said.

“Even if they choose a different path, they carry those values forward.”

As the trip to France draws near, Sergeant Apps said his thoughts were focused on the Australians who came before him and those who would one day carry on the legacy.

“When I stand at Villers-Bretonneux on Anzac Day, I’ll be thinking of the soldiers who never came home, and of my daughters, watching from afar,” he said.

“That’s the thread that ties us all together, the past, the present and the future.”

.

.


.


.