Mr Jacka’s Certificate of Enlistment, which he received after a short ceremony at army recruiting offices in western Sydney, pledged allegiance to the Queen and declared he would “loyally and faithfully serve”.

Australia’s official war historian Charles Bean described Jacka’s feat at the Somme as “the most dramatic and effective act of individual audacity” in the history of the Australian army.

Early last century, recruiting posters showed Jacka holding a rifle above the message: “Show the Enemy what Australian Sporting Men Can Do.”

ALBERT Jacka is regarded as one of Australia’s finest soldiers.

His exploits at Gallipoli and on the Western Front are legendary, and he was the first Australian in World War I to be awarded theVictoria Cross.

Clearly honoured and smiling broadly, his great nephew Simon Jacka, 25, yesterday became the first in the family to join the military since his famous ancestor almost a century ago.

“I am proud to serve the nation as a member of the Australian Defence Force,” hesaid.

“Formally joining the army was a proud moment for the family. I am continuing the association between the army and the Jacka name. I believe I have something to offer the Australian community.”

Mr Jacka’s Certificate of Enlistment, which he received after a short ceremony at army recruiting offices in western Sydney, pledged allegiance to the Queen and declared he would “loyally and faithfully serve”.

He joined the Army Reserves, which make up more than a third of the Australian army’s fighting force.

Mr Jacka admitted it would be hard to live up to his great uncle’s reputation. Yesterday was the 92nd anniversary of the start of theBattle of Pozieres on the Western Front in 1916, in which then Second Lieutenant Jacka led ateam of seven men who took on an 80-strong German unit that had captured dozens of Australians.

He was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery at the Somme, and the Victoria Cross for his exploits at Gallipoli in 1915.

Australia’s official war historian Charles Bean described Jacka’s feat at the Somme as “the most dramatic and effective act of individual audacity” in the history of the Australian army.

Early last century, recruiting posters showed Jacka holding a rifle above the message: “Show the Enemy what Australian Sporting Men Can Do.”

Army recruiters hope the Jacka name still holds the same magic. Warrant Officer Allan Lewis, who interviews potential recruits, said Simon Jacka, like his forebear, would encourage young people to take up a military career.

“I truly believe that to have a young soldier of Jacka’s heritage joining defence is a great opportunity,” he said.

“The first thing I ask potential recruits is why they want to join the army, and they all say theywant to do something for their country, they want to help Australia.

“We are setting up several new battalions, so there’s plenty of opportunities. We are trying to get more people in.”

Mr Jacka will continue with his job as a policeman at Narromine in western NSW, but after training will be available to serve with thearmy in Australia and overseas.

Credit: John Stapleton