Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Prewar Life
Frank Albert Longmire was born on February 17, 1917 in Kadina, South Australia to Edwin Longmire, a painter, and Meloria "Violet" (nee Pearson), a schoolteacher. He grew up with a large extended family (Hayes & Cavenett, 2006; Bradshaw & Muller, 2013). When Frank was about 14 months old his father enlisted in WW1 as a caterer with the 27th Battalion, SA and travelled to the UK (NAA, Item ID 8204699). Frank's first memory of his father was when he returned from WW1 on the HMAT A60 Aeneas on the 6th of January 1920 as Corporal (Hayes & Cavenett, 2006; The Register, 1920).

The family lived in a war service home in Black Forest SA before moving to Norwood after Edwin inherited his father’s house (Hayes & Cavenett, 2006; Bradshaw & Muller, 2013).
In 1920, Frank's first sister Gwen was born, followed by Freda, 1924 and Dorothy, 1926 (Hayes & Cavenett, 2006). Frank attended Norwood Primary from 1923-1929, Norwood High School in 1930, and Prince Alfred College from 1931-1933 (NAA Item ID 4572634). He excelled in maths and science subjects and obtained his Leaving Certificate in 1933 (PAC Chronicle, 1932; The Advertiser, 1934).
After high school, Frank studied book-keeping and employed as a junior clerk at the State Bank of South Australia in Adelaide. He was eventually posted to Karoonda in 1937 as a teller with the bank. He continued his education by studying for a Diploma of Commerce through correspondence at The University of Adelaide. He met his future wife, Isabel Bruce in Karoonda (Bradshaw & Muller, 2013; NAA, Item ID 4572634).

War Service
On March 5, 1941, Frank Longmire enlisted at Karoonda into the Australian Army and joined the 27th Battalion at Warradale military camp, where he trained for six weeks in Signals (NAA Item ID 6337752). He also applied to join the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). He was initially rejected by the RAAF for requiring glasses, but he successfully enlisted in the RAAF Reserves May 1941 (NAA Item ID 4572634).

In August 1941 he officially transferred to the RAAF and left for Victoria on October 10. He trained at No.1 School of Technical Training (Australia. RAAF Historical Section, 1995) where he passed the course “Trainee Radio Mechanic” in May 1942. He was then sent straight to No 1. Radio School Richmond, NSW, where he trained as a Radar “G” Mechanic, passing that course in July 1942 (NAA Item ID 4572634).

Frank’s first posting was to Radar Station 20 (20RS) at Nelson’s Bay, NSW, July 10, 1942. In October 1942 he was then part of the RAAF contingent that took over 47RS at Gin-Gin, WA from the USA Army. Here, they lived in tents, the radar operated continuously and was inherited in poor condition and eventually had to be relocated to Geraldton. During this posting Frank was promoted to Corporal (NAA Item ID 4572634).
Frank was transferred to build a radar at 314RS in Onslow, February 21, 1943 Onslow was a rough town with a desert climate, and the radar was situated on a sandhill, so shifts were arduous, but the unit did get to live in houses. The radar was cutting edge, Australian design, which could be erected in 4 hours, the operator worked in a tent on a rotating platform (Radar Returns; Simmonds & Smith (1991); NAA Item ID 1360307). On 15th September 1943, an enemy Air Raid party was detected. The air raid continued through to the 16th, and sixteen bombs were dropped, within 4-5 miles southwest of Onslow (NAA Item ID 1360307). The only war incident that Frank spoke of to my mother was the terror of sheltering in the sand dunes while the Japanese dropped bombs (Gardner-Stephen, 2024). Frank was promoted to Sergeant during this posting (NAA Item ID 4572634).

After marrying, Frank was posted to 35RS at Albany, WA. This was a less demanding post; windy and wet but with plenty of afterhours entertainment (bobshepp, 2016). Frank stayed at 35RS until February 1945, including a month on the critically injured list for a suspected skull fracture sustained in an accident (NAA Item ID 1072714). He was promoted to Flight Sergeant and then Warrant Officer during this posting (NAA Item ID 4572634).
Frank’s last major posting was to the RAAF headquarters in Darwin from March to October 1945. He was discharged from the RAAF at the end of the war on October 23, 1945. He received the War Medal, the Australian Service Medal and the Returned from Active Service Badge (NAA Item ID 4572634).

After the war, Frank Longmire returned to his original career in the State Bank of South Australia and was Bank Manager of numerous regional branches, including Loxton (Sands and McDougall Directories, 1973) where he retired in 1977. Frank retained his love of learning, gaining many qualifications in banking, landbroking and horticulture. He also participated in his communities through sporting clubs, RSL, Masonic Lodge and church (Bradshaw & Muller, 2013).
In the post-war years, he and his wife Isabel had four daughters: Nancy, Christine, Roslyn and Lynette. (Hayes & Cavenett, 2006). He was proud of all his girls, nine grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
In retirement, Frank enjoyed woodworking, caravanning, lawn bowls, and computer programming (Bradshaw & Muller, 2013, Gardner-Stephen, 2024). Frank died on 6th February 2013 aged 96.

Anzac Spirit
Frank Albert Longmire demonstrated the Anzac Spirit through his perseverance, discipline, humility, and proactive approach to serving his country. On September 7, 1940, Longmire made his initial attempt to enlist in the RAAF as Aircrew, aspiring to become a pilot or air observer. Following an interview with the enlistment board on September 8, he was considered suitable for service as an observer. However, he was ultimately disqualified due to his eyesight. During the interview, Longmire expressed his motivation for joining the RAAF as a desire to "help the country" (NAA Item ID 4572634).
Following his rejection for Aircrew, Frank Longmire could have resumed his career in the State Bank. However, he was not easily discouraged, and promptly sought guidance from the RAAF regarding other positions, specifically Wireless Telegraphy (W/T) Operations. On December 3, 1940, the RAAF received his revised application. However, the RAAF informed Longmire once again that, while they appreciated his willingness to serve, the same medical restrictions applied to W/T operators as to Aircrew (NAA Item ID 4572634).
However, Frank Longmire refused to abandon his aspirations to serve in the RAAF. Instead, he volunteered for service by enrolling in Signals with the Army's 27th Battalion in Warradale, SA (NAA Item ID 6337752). This allowed him to acquire valuable skills while still pursuing his goal of serving in the RAAF. In 1941, the RAAF encountered problems with recruiting and conducted large public recruitment appeals, so Frank reached out again. This time, he composed a full-page handwritten letter to the RAAF, offering his services in any capacity. His readiness to undertake any role, whether as medical orderly, clerk, or trainee radar mechanic, showcased his commitment to the war effort. His perseverance paid off this time, being finally accepted (NAA Item ID 4572634).
Frank Longmire consistently proved himself to be a reliable and dedicated member of his unit. Working in harsh conditions to build, maintain, and operate the radars, he gained recognition for his discipline and diligence, leading to his advancement through the ranks. Despite enduring the elements, including oppressive heat, and facing constant threats from the Japanese, Longmire was part of a close-knit crew that played a crucial role in safeguarding Australia through months of laborious effort, creative problem-solving, long hours spent monitoring radar screens while stationed on rotating platforms and sometimes sleeping in tents. Despite sustaining a serious head injury in 1944 (NAA Item ID 1072714), Longmire demonstrated exceptional resilience and resolve by returning to active duty. Through his unwavering commitment and hard work, he ascended to the rank of Warrant Officer by the war's conclusion (NAA Item ID 4572634).
Frank Longmire exhibited extraordinary dedication to upholding the secrecy of his role during World War II, long after it ceased to be classified "Secret". This further demonstrates his discipline and sense of duty to his country. As radar personnel, one of the final obligations was to maintain confidentiality about the radars and their specific roles for many years (Simmonds and Smith, 1992, p. vii), leading to Frank's service remaining unrecognised by his family and friends. This lack of shared experiences also meant that support and camaraderie from fellow veterans were not readily available to him. However, the collaborative efforts of allied scientists and ground crew in radar technology have been credited with contributing significantly to the Allied victory in World War II (von Kueren, 1997).
Following the war, Frank moved back into civilian life as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and regional bank manager. He seamlessly integrated into new communities by engaging in sports, community and church activities. Throughout his career in banking, Frank served his customers with the utmost integrity, reflecting the same commitment he demonstrated during his time in the RAAF (Bradshaw and Muller, 2013).

Bibliography

Australia. Royal Australia Air Force Historical Section (1995) “Units of the Royal Australian Air Force - A Concise History - Volume 8 Training Units” Australian Government Publishing Service.

Bradshaw, R & Muller, L (2013) Frank Albert Longmire’s Eulogy.
bobshepp (2016). The Calm in the Midst of the Storm: Albany’s WW2 Radar Station. [online] heritagedetection. Available at: https://heritagedetection.wordpress.com/2016/07/06/the-calm-in-the-midst-of-the-storm-albanys-ww2-radar-station/ [Accessed 19 Jul. 2024]

Gardner-Stephen, D, (2024) Personal communication (FA Longmire grandchild).

Hayes, J & Cavenett, A. (2006). Longmire 1692-2006 / compiled by Julie Hayes & Amanda Cavenett. Morphetville, S. Aust. : J. Hayes

National Archives of Australia. Item ID 6345033 (1914) LONGMIRE EDWIN : Service Number - S69540 : Date of birth - 30 Apr 1895 : Place of birth - KADINA SA : Place of enlistment - ADELAIDE SA : Next of Kin - LONGMIRE MELORIA. [online] Available at https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/DetailsReports/ItemDetail.aspx?Barcode=6345033&isAv=N [Accessed 1 Apr. 2024]

National Archives of Australia. Item ID 203805607 (1939). LONGMIRE FRANK ALBERT : Service Number - 47165 : Date of birth - 17 Feb 1917 : Place of birth - KADINA SA : Place of enlistment - ADELAIDE : Next of Kin - LONGMIRE ISABEL - [Black and White negative - identity photograph]. [online] Available at: https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=203805607 [Accessed 1 Apr. 2024]

National Archives of Australia. Item ID 457263 (1939). LONGMIRE FRANK ALBERT : Service Number - 47165 : Date of birth - 17 Feb 1917 : Place of birth - KADINA SA : Place of enlistment - ADELAIDE : Next of Kin - LONGMIRE ISABEL. [online] Available at: https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=4572634 [Accessed 1 Apr. 2024]

National Archives of Australia. (1944). LONGMIRE, Frank Albert - (Sergeant); Service Number - 47165; File type - Casualty - Repatriation; Place - Frenchmean’s Beach, Western Australia; Date - 4 January 1944. [online] Available at: https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=1072714 [Accessed 1 Apr. 2024]

National Archives of Australia. Item ID 6337752 (1939). LONGMIRE FRANK ALBERT : Service Number - S20945 : Date of birth - 17 Feb 1917 : Place of birth - KADINA SA : Place of enlistment - KAROONDA SA : Next of Kin - LONGMIRE EDWIN. [online] Available at: https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=6337752 [Accessed 1 Apr. 2024]

National Archives of Australia. Item ID 1360307 (1943). RAAF Unit History sheets (Form A50) [Operations Record Book - Forms A50 and A51] Radar Stations 311 to 315 Jan 43 - Mar 46. [online] Available at: https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=1360307 [Accessed 1 Apr. 2024]
PAC Chronicle No 165, 1932, p13; https://pac.edu.au/uploads/Publications/No.-165-Prince-Alfred-College-Chronicle-December-1932.pdf, [Accessed 1 Apr. 2024]
Radar Returns (n.d.). Radar Returns. [online] Available at: http://www.radarreturns.net.au/ [Accessed 1 Apr. 2024]

Sands and McDougall Directories (1973) [online] Available at: https://images.slsa.sa.gov.au/almanacsanddirectories/1973sandsandmc/ [Accessed 1 Apr. 2024]

Simmonds, E & Smith, N (1991). Radar yarns : being memories and stories collected from RAAF personnel who served in ground based radar during World War II or a pot pourri of people, places, problems and pleasantries / edited by Ed Simmonds and Norm Smith. Forster, N.S.W. : E.W. & E. Simmonds

The Register (1920) The Janus and the Aeneas (Wed 7 Jan 1920). Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/65027129, [Accessed 21 Jul. 2024]

The Advertiser, (1934); University Leaving Examination Results (Tue 9 Jan 1934). Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/36469468, [Accessed 21 Jul. 2024]

van Keuren, D.K. (1997). Science Goes to War: The Radiation Laboratory, Radar, and Their Technological Consequences [extract]. Reviews in American History 25(4), 643-647. https://doi.org/10.1353/rah.1997.0150. [Accessed 2 Apr. 2024]