The Derrinallum teenager contributed to a statewide essay writing project covering World War I which required participants to recount their family’s military history.

Brianna’s ancestor Thomas Lyttle took part in the Gallipoli campaign and received a bravery medal for his efforts in rescuing wounded soldiers.

“He was a brave man. A lot of the soldiers at Gallipoli were,” the 16-year-old said. 

“He saved a lot of wounded men that were left by themselves on the battlefield, that’s how he got the bravery medal. 

“He helped with the stretchers and carrying the wounded out. It was an awful battle but it’s something we should all remember.”

Brianna will join Warrnambool’s Harry Price and 78 other Victorian students as part of a state government delegation to Gallipoli on Anzac Day, leaving Melbourne for Istanbul next week.

The Derrinallum P-12 student visited Melbourne last week to participate in the launch of the project alongside state Veterans Affairs Minister John Eren. 

Mr Eren spoke about the project while a specially painted commemorative tram was unveiled to coincide with the Anzac Day centenary.