But on Anzac Day he achieved a first, proudly taking part in the Sydney march, wearing a replica of his uncle, Bede Kenny’s Victoria Cross medal.

“It was such a wonderful, moving experience,” he said of walking with other World War I descendants.

“Being among hundreds of people marching and those who lined Elizabeth Street and Hyde Park was incredible.

“Something you really can’t put into words.

“The pride in being able to participate, with so many people watching was fantastic.

“It is no wonder the Anzac ceremonies have developed into Australian culture.”

Mr Kenny even gained a mentioned by former classmate and famed ABC TV march commentator and host, Lieutenant Colonel John Moore, whose association with Anzac Day broadcasts extends back to the 1960s.

Mr Kenny said taking part in the Sydney march was something he had always wanted to do.

“I applied to take part but was asked if I had any medals to verify my claims of a descendant,” he said.

“I didn’t and mentioned it to Rick Meehan (Nowra RSL Sub Branch secretary) and unbeknown to me he had a replica set of medals struck, including the VC, and presented them to me at the Anzac Centenary VC dinner last year.”

Mr Kenny’s uncle Bede was awarded the Victoria Cross in April 1917 at the Battle of the Somme.

A Private who grew up in the Sydney Eastern Suburbs, due to his height, 193cm, he had been trained in the use of  bombs.

Private Kenny was instrumental in destroying a German pillbox on a ridge overlooking where the Australians were.

“The platoon was trying to circumnavigate a ridge to prevent the Germans escaping,” Mr Kenny said.

“Unbeknown to the men, a pillbox had a prominent position on the ridge with the potential to cut the Australian lines to shreds. Bede rushed the pillbox throwing bombs as he went.

“He killed a number of the enemy, took the pillbox and captured a German captain.

“He was awarded the VC for his heroic efforts. The Aussies could have been cannon fodder.”

He was just 20 and was one of the youngest VC winners.

Mr Kenny said the story goes, after the incident in the Somme, he was in London on leave when he was told to report to the barracks of the military police.

”Having a dislike for the military police, bureaucracy and English officers, apparently he decided to go AWOL to Ireland for five days,” Mr Kenny said.

“When he returned he was picked up and taken to the barracks and informed he had been awarded the Victoria Cross. But also he was being docked five days pay for going missing.”

He was one of four VCs presented by King George at Buckingham Palace.

“The King apparently told them they had done a great job and were a credit to their country,” Mr Kenny said.

“Legend has it, Uncle Bede asked the King to lend a quid for some new boots because the ones he was wearing were ‘killing him’.”

Bede Kenny survived the war and returned home but suffered badly with trench feet and died aged 56.

“He didn’t talk a lot about the war as with many of that generation,” Mr Kenny said.

“But he was a well-known character of the Eastern Suburbs and often helped out a lot of returned men who were down and out. So much so a ward at Randwick Military Hospital was named after him.”

A Waverley College old boy, the middle school is also named in his honour.

As for next year will he again take part in the Sydney Anzac march?

“I’m looking to head to the Western Front on a tour which will coincide with the time and place my uncle won his VC,” he said.