France Archives - CONTACT magazine

Able Seaman Francis Piccin, of the Royal Australian Navy Band, Sydney, at Amiens Cathedral in France. Story by Captain Katy Manning. Photos by Corporal Nicole Dorrett.

One song unites two worlds

29/04/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 718 Views 0 Comments ANZAC Day, France, Royal Australian Navy Band

As the last notes echoed through Amiens Cathedral in France, Musician Able Seaman Francis Piccin stood with quiet pride, his

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.

ADF People Australian Army History Lest We Forget Royal Australian Navy

Chance to honour family military heritage

18/04/202518/04/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1533 Views 0 Comments ANZAC Day, Australia’s Federation Guard, France, Villers-Bretonneux

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

Second Lieutenant Cecil Healy is the only Australian Olympian to have died in combat.

ADF People History Lest We Forget

Remembering Aussie Olympic Gold medalist killed in action

24/07/202430/07/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1366 Views 0 Comments France, WWI

Olympians Kaarle McCulloch and Michelle Ford have honoured the memory of Cecil Healy, the only Australian Olympic gold medallist to die

Sub-Lieutenant Richard Pirrie has been honoured at the Normandy Memorial Wall during commemorations for the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Story by By Lieutenant Commander John Thompson.

ADF People History Lest We Forget

D-Day commemorations: honouring those who served

14/06/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1208 Views 0 Comments D-Day, France, WWII

Sub-Lieutenant Richard Pirrie, who served in World War 2, has had his name added to the Normandy Memorial Wall during

The Australian Imperial Force Mouquet Farm Memorial near the village of Pozières, France. Story and photos by Corporal Jacob Joseph.

ADF People Europe History Lest We Forget

Mates first, then and now

30/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1458 Views 0 Comments 31st/42nd Battalion Royal Queensland Regiment, France, Pozières, WWI

Private Wayne Drage’s voice wavered as he spoke about the day his great-great uncle was wounded during the battle of

Jonathan Church Good Soldiering Award ambassador Corporal Justin Wells picks a poppy beside the Le Hamel Australian Corps Memorial, France. Story and photos by Corporal Jacob Joseph.

ADF People Europe Lest We Forget

On the spot of an heroic stand

29/08/202329/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1708 Views 0 Comments France, Victoria Cross, Villers-Bretonneux, WWI

Walking in the footsteps of a Victoria Cross (VC) recipient from World War I gave a Jonathan Church Good Soldiering

Australian Army Jonathan Church Good Soldiering Award ambassador Corporal Justin Wells, beside the headstone of Gunner William Tasker at Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery, Villers-Bretonneux France. Story and photos by Corporal Jacob Joseph.

ADF People History Lest We Forget

Wallabies seek inspiration from our fallen

25/08/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1066 Views 0 Comments ADF Sport, France, Last Post, Villers-Bretonneux, WWI

It was one of the most stunning battlefield victories and the beginning of the end of WW1. CAPTION: Australian Army

Lieutenant Colonel Adam Hepworth (left) and Colonel Robin Smith (second from right) meet with French Army Lieutenant Colonel Matthias Leroy, supported by the Australian Army Liaison Officer to the French Army, Lieutenant Colonel Dean Kachab (right). Story by Emma Kennedy. Photo by Eloïse Marreau.

Australian Army Europe News Overseas

Aussies visit French robot testers

29/06/202303/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 2590 Views 0 Comments France, Robotics

Australian Army personnel strengthened ties with the French Army during a visit to the Robotic Experimentation Platoon at the Centre

A French Navy Alouette III lifts off from Ile Des Pins airfield during Exercise Croix du Sud 2016 in New Caledonia. Photo by Corporal David Said.

ADF Australian Europe News

French/Australian defence cooperation boosted

02/05/201802/05/2018 Posted by Brian Hartigan 3230 Views 0 Comments France, logistics-support agreement

During French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Australia this week, several Defence issues were discussed and initiatives initiated. FILE PHOTO: A French