After enlisting in the Australian Army, Lance Corporal Imahni Lenoy learned about her direct connection to a fallen member of 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR).
Lance Corporal Lenoy, a general duties member with the Joint Military Police Unit in Townsville, was told that her great-great-uncle on her father's side, Temporary Sergeant Stafford Kenny James "Len" Lenoy, served with 3RAR during the Korean War and was killed in action during the Battle of Kapyong in April 1951.
Born in Cairns in 1923, Stafford grew up in North Queensland before enlisting during the Second World War.
He trained as a machine gunner and deployed to New Guinea, taking part in the Aitape-Wewak campaign, before later serving in Japan as part of the post-war occupation force.
Remaining with the unit as it became 3RAR, Stafford deployed again in 1950 as part of Australia's commitment to the Korean War.
'It definitely changes how I look at my own service.'
In April 1951, 3RAR was positioned north of Kapyong to block a major Chinese advance towards Seoul.
Stafford, attached to A Company in forward defensive positions, was killed during intense fighting in the early hours of April 24, 1951. He was 27 years old.
The discovery has reshaped how Lance Corporal Lenoy views her own service.
"It was pretty overwhelming finding out about Stafford. Since then, I've discovered I have family members who are both currently serving and ex-serving in Army and Navy," Lance Corporal Lenoy said.
"He's my great-great-uncle on my father's side, so to find that out while serving myself was pretty special. It makes me really proud to know someone in my family served before me."
The discovery has also prompted conversations within her family.
"My family are really proud and they were happy to talk about it once I asked," she said.
With 3RAR commemorating the 75th anniversary of Kapyong Day on April 24, Lance Corporal Lenoy said the connection has given her a deeper appreciation of the battalion's legacy.
"It definitely changes how I look at my own service," she said.
