Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Francis Harold Cleveland was born in Charters Towers, Queensland, on January 17, 1898, to Alfred Ernest Cleveland and Sarah Jane Linnerston. He was the first of four children in the Cleveland family. Growing up, he had three siblings: Annie Muriel Cleveland (1899-1996), Robert Linnerston Cleveland (1902-1979), and Phyllis Isabel Cleveland (1912-2003). The Cleveland family lived in Charters Towers, a mining town in Queensland during Francis’s childhood.

While little is known about Francis Harold's formal education, it is likely that he attended one of the local schools, such as Charters Towers State High School or Charters Towers Central State School, both of which were close to his home. He likely received a basic education, which laid the foundation for his later work as a printer. As a young man, Francis chose to pursue work as a printer, with the Printing Industry Employees' Union of Australia being established in 1915. He worked with posters, newspapers, and other printed materials. He would operate printing presses, and he may have been involved in printing advertisement for the Australian Army Corps.

At the age of 17, in 1915, Francis Harold Cleveland made the decision to enlist in the Army. On May 24, he enlisted, despite being underage. Francis claimed to be 22 years old. This was a common practice among young men eager to experience adventure, see the world, and fight for their country. His enlistment papers reveal some key details about his appearance and background. He was described as having fair complexion and hair, blue eyes, and stood at a height of 5 foot 6 inches. The enlistment forms also shared information about his religion, background, and information about any past records such as health and criminal history. His service number was 1466, and his last rank was Private, meaning he began his military service at the entry-level rank of a recruit.

During the war

Francis Harold was assigned to the 9th Light Horse Regiment.. Each regiment had a unique embroidered patch, symbolizing their identity, and they became known for their gallant service, particularly in the Middle East. His regiment would play a key role in the campaign against the Ottoman Empire. He was taken on strength, meaning he began his active duty, in Heliopolis, Egypt, on February 7, 1916.

Unfortunately, Francis’s time in the army was impacted with many health issues. Just days after his arrival in Egypt, he contracted influenza, a highly contagious disease that affects the respiratory system. He was hospitalized for twelve days before returning to his duties. In early March 1916, Francis was diagnosed with lumbago, a painful condition affecting the lower back, which led to his transfer to the hospital at Gezira. After three days, he was moved to Montazah, a convalescent area in Egypt, where he recovered. His health problems persisted, and in May 1916, he was admitted to the hospital again, this time with measles. After a week of recovery, he returned to active duty. However, later that month he returned to hospital with an infection and returned to duty 3rd July 1916.

In August 1916, Francis took part in the Battle of Romani, a critical conflict that helped halt the Turkish threat to the Suez Canal, a strategic point for the Allied forces. The battle also marked the start of the British push into Palestine. The Turkish resistance ultimately collapsed, and many prisoners were captured. Francis and other soldiers were positioned to pursue the retreating Ottoman forces. However, the conditions of the campaign continued to affect his health, and soon after the battle, he was once again hospitalized. This time, he was transferred to Base and then to Abbassia, where he spent time recovering before being fit enough to return to duty in late October 1916.

By this time, Francis had been promoted to Lance Corporal and was assigned sanitary duties. His role was essential to maintaining the health of the troops by ensuring cleanliness and proper sanitation in their camps. Over the next several months, he faced further health challenges, including gastritis that led to a two-month hospitalization at Belah, an Australian Light Horse camp. Once again, after recovering, he was sent to various base camps in Palestine, such as Mehamedyia and Marakeb, before being diagnosed with bronchitis while stationed at Moascar, Egypt. His condition eventually led to a transfer to Wiltshire, England, where he was deemed physically unfit for further service.

After the war

In December 1917, after two years of service, Francis was sent back to Australia due to his ongoing health issues. He disembarked from overseas on December 17, 1917, and returned home to Australia on March 22, 1918. His total service time was 2 years and 302 days, with 2 years and 52 days spent abroad. 

After the war, Francis Harold Cleveland, on March 7, 1921, married Viola Gladys Leslie Veitch at All Souls Church in St Peters, Adelaide, South Australia. Following their marriage, Francis and Viola immigrated to New Zealand, where they settled and started their family. They had two children: a son, Francis Leslie Cleveland, and a daughter, Valerie Clair Copland (née Cleveland). Their son, Francis Leslie, would go on to become a well-known artist and make significant contributions to New Zealand’s visual, musical, literary, and academic culture.

Francis Harold Cleveland passed away on June 26, 1950, in Canterbury, New Zealand, at the age of 52. Viola, his wife, outlived him by several years, passing away in 1957 at the age of 61.

Francis spent years fighting, overcoming illness, warfare and years away from home, to return and build a new life and family.

Reference List:

National Archives of Australia (2019). Home page | naa.gov.au. [online] Naa.gov.au. Available at: https://www.naa.gov.au/.

Vwma.org.au. (2014). 9th Light Horse Regiment. [online] Available at: https://vwma.org.au/explore/units/68.

Familysearch.org. (2015). FamilySearch.org. [online] Available at: https://www.familysearch.org/en/australia/.

www.awm.gov.au. (n.d.). Advanced Search | Australian War Memorial. [online] Available at: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection.