On March 25, 1917, in Bapaume, France, Lance Corporal Jules Schuller of the 20th Infantry Battalion was sheltering in a town hall alongside his comrades when a German delayed-action explosive detonated, killing him and those around him.

More than a century later, his great-great niece, Able Seaman Rachel Brandt, has travelled to France to walk the same ground and honour his sacrifice.

Originally from Rose Bay in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, Lance Corporal Schuller had survived a gunshot wound to the chest at Gallipoli before returning to service on the Western Front, where he was later killed in Bapaume.

Ahead of Anzac Day, Able Seaman Brandt visited his gravesite at Bapaume Communal Cemetery, placing a poppy in his honour. She also carried additional poppies to place on the graves of the men who died alongside him.

“I wanted to pay my respects to them as well,” she said.

“My great-great uncle died alongside them, and I take solace knowing he is buried with his mates. I’m at peace knowing he’s with those he fought alongside.”

'Without them, we wouldn’t have the life we have today.'

Standing among the headstones, the moment was overwhelming.

“It was incredibly emotional. Such a special and touching moment in my life, and one I’ll remember forever in my Defence career,” Able Seaman Brandt said.

The visit held additional meaning for her family. More than a century after Lance Corporal Schuller left Australia to serve, her parents were the first in their family to visit his grave in 2023.

For Able Seaman Brandt, being there herself brought a new level of understanding.

“To know that I’m in the place that he fought and died is really incredible,” she said.

“It’s incredibly special being here in person to pay my respects, not only to him, but to his comrades as well.”

Now serving as a mine warfare operator in the Royal Australian Navy, Able Seaman Brandt plays a role in detecting and clearing mines to ensure the safe movement of vessels.

She is also a proud member of Australia’s Federation Guard, having represented the Australian Defence Force at ceremonial events in Australia and overseas, including the Anzac Day catafalque party at Gallipoli in 2025.

This year, Able Seaman Brandt will participate in the dawn service at the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux, one of the most significant Anzac Day commemorations held outside Australia.

“I’m very excited, but I’m also equally emotional, knowing how special and important it is being able to go to France,” she said.

“It’s going to be an emotive and monumental moment in my career.”

'It was incredibly emotional. Such a special and touching moment in my life, and one I’ll remember forever in my Defence career.'

Her connection to service extends across generations. With grandparents who served in the Army and Army Reserve, and a father who served in the Royal Australian Air Force, she describes her family’s Defence background as a strong influence on her own path.

As she prepares to stand among thousands at the dawn service, she said her focus will extend beyond her own family connection.

“Definitely I’ll be thinking of him [Lance Corporal Schuller], but also those around him, their families and everyone who sacrificed so much,” Able Seaman Brandt said.

Among the moments she is most anticipating is the stillness of the service itself.

“I think it’s the minute’s silence and the Last Post – having that moment to reflect and pay our respects is really important,” she said.

Standing on the Western Front more than a century after her great-great uncle’s death, Able Seaman Brandt now reflects on the link between those who served then and those who continue to serve today.

“Without them, we wouldn’t have the life we have today,” she said.