23 April 2025
Deployed on Anzac Day in the Middle East region, Leading Seaman Phillip Lofthouse will honour his grandfather’s resilience as a World War 2 prisoner of war by standing silent in the catafalque party at the dawn service in Abu Dhabi.
Serving as a communications information specialist on Operation Accordion, he’ll mark his first Anzac Day ashore – a change from years spent commemorating at sea.
His grandfather, Henry Thomas Wyatt, enlisted in Army’s 2/20th Australian Infantry Battalion in 1940 and was discharged in 1946.
“He was held at Changi in Singapore, which is a port that I've flown into and arrived by boat a few times now,” Leading Seaman Lofthouse said.
Those stories painted a picture of a man who never shied away from speaking his mind – even in captivity.
“He always spoke up about what he thought was the right thing to say, even when times were quite perilous,” he said.
It’s a trait Leading Seaman Lofthouse admits he may have inherited – sometimes for better, sometimes not.
“I definitely have been known to get myself in trouble by saying both the right and wrong thing,” he said.
While being away is never easy, he said regular video calls home help ease the distance and keep him grounded.
As Anzac Day approaches, Leading Seaman Lofthouse's thoughts are with those who have served before and those he stands beside.
He said wearing the uniform reminded him that regardless of differences, everyone serves with a shared purpose.
“We all wear the same uniform, bleed the same, and work together to achieve the mission,” Leading Seaman Lofthouse said.
“I feel that I am incredibly blessed to be able to go home to my family in one piece. I know some others did not get that option.”
