Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Frank Leslie Schuyler was the youngest son of Henry George Roope and Catherine Jane Schuyler, born on the 15th November 1894 at Kooringa Burra. He was then educated at Copperhouse School Burra and enlisted in the 9th Light Horse and in Egypt was transferred to the Camel Corps. He was killed in action on the 20th April 1917 Gaza Palestine. Two letters received by his parent after his death, I believe sums it up better than I can.

"Please excuse the liberty I am taking in writing to you. Being a friend of your sons for over a year, I feel it my duty to let you know as much as I can about how he died. We advanced about six in the morning to attack the Turkish trenches near Gaza in Palestine. We fought all day in the open until Frank got a very slight wound in the arm. Then he went back about 50 yards to help to dig some trenches (after been relieved by an officer and sent back to get his wound dressed as he had been on the machine gun "checking the turks" all day - being the last of his company alive and stopped to have his wound dressed by a mate when he was hit in the head) when about 4 o'clock he got hit in the head. He lived until we (his brother Robert finally him into a dressing station that would take him) got him to the first dressing station and as far as I can gather passed away in the night while unconscious. No doubt he did suffer that day. I think it was on the 19th April. It hurts me to write this, but knowing Frank as I did I felt I had to. We worked and rationed together. He Bob and I, before Bob got wounded and while he was in hospital Frank and I were together all the time and we fought side by side against the Turks on four different charges. He also was twice mentioned in dispatches for bravery. So I can only join you in your sorrow. I give you my fullest sympathy in you great loss. I can give you one comfort by letting you know that Frank was to the last a thorough soldier and the whitest of white men. We can ill afford to lose such as he, he was a favorite with all of us, when my turn comes I hope I can face it like he did. I am yours sincerely Troope. G.Thom."

"No doubt by this time you will have received the sad news, the death of your son Tpr. F.L.Schuyler of No. 11 Company  Imperial Camel Corps, and I am the Church of England Chaplain with Camel Corps, and I am writing to let you know how deeply I sympathise with you in your sad loss. He was wounded severely on the 19th of April this month and died that evening at the field ambulance and was buried nearby. His company Commander will be writing to you and will let you know how much he is missed. He passed away bravely and peacefully without pain though everything was done to save his life. He was a fine soldier and died a hero's death. I have told him I would write to you. May God comfort you in your sadness and bereavement. His grave has been marked by a cross and his name and date on it. If possible I will try and send you a photograph of his grave. Please write to me and if I can I will help you in anyway about your son out here.
Yours sincerely,
Rev. C. Scott Little C.

The Adelaide Chronicle 23rd June 1917.
THE LATE PRIVATE - F. L. SCHUYLER.
Mr. and Mrs. H. Schuyler of Braemar Station have been notified that their youngest son, Francis Lesley (Frank) died of wounds received in Egypt on April 19. He was born at Redruth and was 22 years of age. He was educated at the Copper-house Public School and for a time worked with his father. Prior to enlisting in January 1916, he was in the employ of Mr. J. H. Gallagher of Burra. He was of a bright and lovable disposition and will be sadly missed. His elder brother has been wounded and is now sick.
Frank's unit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAT A41 Bakara on 28 April 1916;
Buried Gaza War Cemetery (Plot XII, Row D, Grave No. 2), Palestine.