“I see this trip as an opportunity to play my part in honouring the sacrifices made by those in World War I, and to represent my country on such an occasion will be something I will remember fondly for the rest of my life,” said Captain Mahr, who instructs gunnery at Irwin Barracks in Karrakatta.
The commemoration party leaves Perth today.
It will remember the 11th and 28th Battalions that fought at Pozières where they received battle honours now displayed on the colours carried by Capt Mahr during commemorations.
In mid-1916, Pozières was a small French village in the Somme Valley that was initially captured by Australians who repelled repeated German counter-attacks.
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The party will participate in ceremonies remembering Australia’s contribution to the Allied victory of 1918, including some of the army’s greatest achievements and its largest losses.
The ceremonies will include the annual Bastille Day parade through Paris, which Australia will be participating in for the first time.