Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Frank sailed for Egypt in June 1915 for further training and then onto the Gallipoli Peninsula. Arriving late in the campaign his involvement with the 25th Battalion’s was limited to mostly defensive operations, and Frank and his comrades remained on the Peninsula for only a couple of months, manning trenches until evacuation in December. The State Library of Queensland holds letters sent by Frank to his family – his sister, mother, and two little brothers George and Tom. In his straightforward, chatty style he reports his activities, inquires about friends and acquaintances from home, and reassures his family that he is safe.

After further training in Egypt, the 25th Battalion proceeded to France, landing on 19th March 1916 - the first A.I.F. battalion to arrive there. In the summer of 1916, trench life in France was clearly not as difficult as it was at Gallipoli, and Frank reported that ”we only do a few days in the Trenches and then out for a few.” On a fortnight’s leave in England in early June 1916, he took full advantage of London’s social attractions, and in his subsequent letters home he expresses how difficult it was to return to the trenches after “doing the grand in London”.

Late in July 1916 the 25th Battalion took part in its first major battle, attacking enemy positions opposite Pozières. The battalion suffered heavy casualties, and in the early hours of the 29th July, Frank fell under sustained machine gun and artillery fire.

In two eloquent and heartfelt letters to Frank’s grieving mother Mary, his friend and superior officer Captain G.M. Connor reported that Frank was acting as a runner or messenger when he was killed by a shell. The Captain expressed deep sorrow at Frank’s loss, and described him as a ”loyal and conscientious soldier”, who ”proved himself to be just that type which has made the name Anzac so famous”.