In a quiet home in Brighton, a century-old story of service, sacrifice and family legacy came to life for Lieutenant General Susan Coyle.
After delivering a commemorative address at the Bullecourt Digger Memorial on Anzac Day, where she spoke about Victorian-born Lance Corporal Henrick Johansen, Lieutenant General Coyle met members of his family by chance – an unexpected connection following her decision to share his story.
On return to Australia, Lieutenant General Coyle had another unexpected connection with the family: an invitation to meet Lance Corporal Johansen’s niece, Pat Phair (née Johansen), at her home in Melbourne.
Sitting together in Dr Phair’s home, surrounded by family history and memories, the connection between past and present felt immediate and deeply personal.
At just 22 years old and a hairdresser by trade when he enlisted in March 1916, Lance Corporal Johansen later served as a signaller. His service was one of many that left a lasting impact not only on the battlefield, but also on the families back home.
His brother – Dr Phair’s father – served in the Navy, highlighting the family’s strong connection to service.
“Being a signaller myself, I felt a personal connection to Lance Corporal Johansen,” Lieutenant General Coyle said.
“To share his story at Bullecourt and to be able to meet Pat in her home, and hear about her family through her point of view has been an absolute privilege.”
The earlier meeting at Bullecourt, on the very ground where so many Australian soldiers fought and died, introduced Lieutenant General Coyle to the Johansen family following her address.
‘Without family, our ADF personnel wouldn’t be able to thrive and do their best every day. Family is everything.’
The visit to Dr Phair’s family home allowed further time for reflection, conversation and a deeper understanding of the enduring impact of Lance Corporal Johansen’s service.
Dr Phair shared her family’s memories of her uncle, describing a man who enjoyed a happy life in Melbourne’s Middle Park before the war. Though his life was cut short, his legacy has endured across generations.
Now 94, Dr Phair remains a proud custodian of that history. After living in several countries and raising a large family, she continues to pass Lance Corporal Johansen’s story to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, ensuring his service is never forgotten.
“I’m very proud of his service,” Dr Phair said.
For Lieutenant General Coyle, the visit reinforced the central role families play in both remembering the past and supporting those who serve today.
“To be able to talk about family and sacrifice in a place like this makes it even more meaningful,” Lieutenant General Coyle said.
“Without family, our ADF personnel wouldn’t be able to thrive and do their best every day. Family is everything.”
Lieutenant General Coyle also reflected on the importance of preserving these personal histories.
“Connections like this and remembering our history are so important. They remind us that service is not just about individuals, it’s about families, communities and generations,” she said.
