Australia’s Federation Guard has made its annual trip to the battlefields on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Türkiye. The historical significance of this site – the first sands on which Anzac boots landed in the early hours of April 25 – is immediately apparent. 

Gunner Daniel Mazzaferri, a ground-based air defence operator in the Royal Australian Artillery, came over with this year’s contingent. His family’s story is unique as his ancestors are from both sides of the conflict.

“My family often jokes that it’s miraculous that we even exist,” he said.

Gunner Mazzaferri comes from a line of Anzacs and military members from the other side of the Gallipoli Campaign – the Turks and the Italians.

'I have been fortunate enough to see where my family fought with my very own eyes.'

Gunner Mazzaferri, from Kilcoy, Queensland, enlisted in Brisbane and plans to have a long career in Defence. His pride and deep understanding of the Anzac spirit have shaped his life choices.

"I am extremely proud, as a serviceman, to be here, and honoured to be chosen to come [to Gallipoli]. I am proud to serve my country and follow my ancestors’ footsteps,” Gunner Mazzaferri said.

“On my Anzac side we have Norman L. Nicole, who was in the first wave at the landing. His name is still passed down to us this day, and we continue to pass down his story.

“My Great-Grandfather Mazzaferri was in the Italian Army for around 15 years before defecting to Australia before World War II kicked off.

“He was then placed in a detention camp for a few months because he had been in the Italian Army.

“As soon as he was released, he joined the Australian Army. He joined the infantry and fought in Bougainville, in Papua New Guinea, and Kokoda.

“We look up to him as a man who fought for what he believed was right.”

'They were a bunch of boys who were all very close, and banded together to fight for what they believe in.'

In the days leading up to Anzac Day, members of the contingent took part in battlefield tours, including visiting the graves of the Anzacs, and walking through the very trenches they fought in.

“I have been fortunate enough to see where my family fought with my very own eyes,” Gunner Mazzaferri said.

“In Defence, I have met many people that I consider family and mates. I think this is the moral of the story when it comes to the Anzacs: they were a bunch of boys who were all very close, and banded together to fight for what they believe in.”

“[Y]our sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well.” – Mustafa Kemal Atatürk