Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

IN MEMORY OF THE DEARLY LOVED SON OF H. & E. MUNNS OF LEONGATHA

Francis Henry Munns was born in Romsey in 1882 to Henry Daniel Munns and Mary Emily Portingale (married 1881). Mary was a local girl, born in Bolinda Vale ca. 1858. Frank  was one of four children: Alfred George Munns (b. 1885 in Riddells Creek), Mary Lilian (b. 1886 in Romsey) and Ernest James (b. 1888 in Romsey). All four children attended  Bolinda School in the late 1800s.

Prior to enlisting in the armed forces, Frank was working as a labourer living in Mt. Eccles with his brother Alfred (labourer), and his parents, Henry employed as a farmer and  Mary taking care of the home. Upon his enlistment he was assigned to the 11th Reinforcements, 8th Light Horse Regiment.

An interesting article appeared in the Gippslander and Mirboo Times (dated 7 February 1918) regarding Frank Munns and his experiences overseas. The article reads:
A most interesting souvenir, in the form of a Confirmation Card, has been received by Mr and Mrs H. Munns, of Mount Eccles, from their son Frank, who is on active service in  Egypt. The card bears the words: “Francis Munns, 3rd Brigade, A.M.D. In remembrance of my confirmation by the Bishop of Jerusalem on the field, near Shellal, in the Holy Land,  on Friday, October 19, 1917, and of my first Communion on the field in the Holy Land (Signed) Ronnie McInnes, Bishop of Jerusalem.” The card is printed in red and gold and will  be prized not only by the recipient when he returns, but by the parents and members of the family. Trooper Frank Munns has been attacked with malaria fever on three different  occasions and when writing home at the end of November he stated that he was then in an hospital at Cairo suffering from the malady. This soldier has taken part in several sharp engagements against the Turks, and on one occasion had his horse shot from under him. When the Turks poisoned the wells, and no drinking water could be secured, Trooper Munns and his mates were three days in the saddle without a drink, and divided a bottle of pickles amongst them and drank the vinegar. Fighting in the desert has many  hardships, and not the variations of the battlefields of Europe.” During his time abroad, Frank suffered from various diseases including pyrexia, tonsillitis, appendicitis, gastro  entiritis, entiritis, and febricula. In November 1917, he contracted malaria, which returned again in May 1918. At that time he was listed as suffering from debility and anaemia  and was reclassified for D (unfit but likely to become fit within 6 months). His condition continued to worsen and by mid-September he reported that he was suffering constant  vomiting after eating, weakness and loss of weight. He was described as “thin debilitated and sallow” and had lost around 25 kilograms. His illness was diagnosed as chronic dyspepsia and attributed to the strain of active service. By this time he had been reclassified B3 (only suitable for sedentary work). Already ill, in mid-October he contracted influenza. Within two days of being admitted to hospital he was dangerously ill. On 20 October, he succumbed to the disease and died of influenzal bronchopneumonia. He was  buried at the Port Said Military Hospital in Egypt.