Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

The eldest of three children, Frank was born in Tammin WA in 1913 to Frank Denny Banfield (b1886 in Melbourne, Victoria) and Amy Sophia Rogers (nee Riseley; b1873 in Anakie, Victoria). Frank Snr (a Farmer) and Amy (a Widow with six surviving children) married in Northam WA in 1912. The couple settled at Lucknow Farm in Tammin WA where they raised their family. In 1931 they moved to Bodallin at Yilgarn WA. Following Amy's death in 1935, Frank Snr moved to Hannan's, Kalgoorlie WA where he was a Dairyman living at the White Hart Hotel. By the mid 1940s Frank Snr had moved to Wagin WA where he was a Farmer until his death in 1962.

Frank worked as a Miner in Kalgoorlie WA, and in 1936 married Lily (Betty) Amy Lambe (b1918 in Perth WA). Frank and Betty settled at Ora Banda in Kalgoorlie until August 1940 when Frank enlisted in the Australian Army (Sergeant; Service No:WX8201). Frank served with 9th Division Signals in the Middle East (3 January 1941 - 8 February 1943), and in the SWPA (3 April 1943 - 15 October 1945). He was also in Darwin NT. Frank was attached to 2/1 Australian Boring and Mining Platoon when he was Discharged in November 1945. Brother Denzil also served in WWII.

Betty worked in Perth WA as a Kitchenmaid at St Joseph's Orpanage whilst Frank was in the Army. By 1948 the couple was living in Queenstown in Tasmania, and from there they moved to Adelaide, South Australia. Frank died in 1984 and Betty in 1994.