Triservice units of the Australian Defence Force have a unique culture, heavily influenced by the traditions and histories of each individual service. Australia’s Federation Guard is a key example, which welcomes members from across all services and rank levels.

They practise Army rifle drill, Navy sword drill and Air Force foot drill. They are a case study in embracing the specialities of each service to showcase a polished military drill demonstration at countless high-profile events.

Australia’s Federation Guard conducts ceremonial duties for Anzac Day on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Türkiye annually to commemorate the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps on April 25, 1915.

This year’s trip was special for one Air Force air surveillance operator in particular.

Leading Aircraftwoman Chantelle Bradford, originally from Brisbane, has served both in the Australian Defence Force and in the Australian Federal Police. She said she has experienced similar values in both organisations first hand.

“I think there's such a beautiful sense of camaraderie and mateship. I think it's an unspoken sense of belonging with purpose and family,” Leading Aircraftwoman Bradford said.

This trip prompted Leading Aircraftwoman Bradford to dig deeper into her own family’s history. 

“The significance of this Anzac Day trip for me, after having recently discovered that I have an ancestor that served in World War I, is extremely profound,” she said.

'We all know that we're here for a purpose, and we're all here to share the experience together and make our countries proud.'

A quick call to her mother, and emails between extended family, uncovered a piece of her family’s story with a surprising significance to the trip.

“I recently discovered, just prior to coming to Gallipoli, that my great-grandfather, Gunner Samuel C. Morris, service number 9443, served in the First Field Artillery Regiment and deployed to France in World War I,” she said.

“Before coming on this trip, when I discovered that my ancestor had served in an artillery regiment, one of my comrades offered me one of his artillery badges from his hat that he had graduated from Kapooka with.”

Leading Aircraftwoman Bradford was embraced by the contingent’s Army personnel as an “Honorary Arty” in the process – a gesture of pride in their services’, and their nation’s, history.

“There's such a sense of mateship and family and belonging that transcends generations, and even though I'm serving in the Royal Australian Air Force and he himself is Army, there's still such a sense of absolute belonging within that,” Leading Aircraftwoman Bradford said.

The contingent has now begun to polish their drill and ceremonial duties in location.

“We've just commenced rehearsals with the New Zealand Defence Force over at Anzac Cove, for the commemorative service that is being held on Anzac Day,” Leading Aircraftwoman Bradford said.

“It's incredible to see instantly, as we get together, the communication and teamwork that happens. We all know that we're here for a purpose, and we're all here to share the experience together and make our countries proud.”

Her recent discovery, and the embrace Leading Aircraftwoman Bradford received by her fellow servicemen, highlights the unique nature of friendships formed in the services.

“To be able to come over here with my fellow servicemen and women, to share in this experience on such sacred ground, and also being welcomed with open arms from the Turkish community is just absolutely breathtaking,” she said.

“I think words will continue to lack the magnitude of what this feels like for me.”