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On 14th May 1915, Frank wrote to his sister Mary – “Dear Mary. I suppose you are anxious on my account after reading the papers of the doings by Australians here. I've had a strenuous time of it and hope the worst is over. Am feeling A.1. at present. Love to all from Frank."

On 27th October 1916 Frank wrote to his sister Mary – “It is raining like mad and the mud is not inches deep, but feet. May not be able to write you for a week or two as we are likely to be busy. Can't tell you where we are but things are moving some. Love to Jack & yourself from you affect. brother, Frank.”

On 22nd April 1918, Frank sent a postcard to his sister Mary from Le Chateau Fouilloy (Somme) France. “Just a card to say I’m well, etc. Things are rather lively about these parts. Love to Jack and self. The guns are going some tonight. Frank”.

Frank Walker

Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)

 Recommendation: -

'During this period from February to September 1917, inclusive, this N.C.O. has served continuously with his unit. During the occupation of the sector at Guedecourt, through the advance on Bapaume, and finally during the heavy fighting at Bullecourt his conduct was such as to deserve special recognition. At all times he has set a fine example and his courage and continued devotion to duty deserve special recognition'.

H.E. Elliott, Brig-Gen

Commanding  15th Infantry Brigade                                   Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, 30 August 1918 on page 1784 at position 3

The above recommendation came from Brigadier- General Harold (Pompey) Elliot of the 15th Brigade of the 5th Division for a Bendigo soldier who had served with Pompey Elliot from the landing at Anzac Cove.                                                                                           The Bendigo Independent published the following letter from Frank Walker in mid September 1915.

BANDSMAN'S LETTERS. A TURK SURPRISE.

Mr. O. Flight of Mitchell Street, has received the following interesting letter from Private Frank Walker of Golden Square, an old member of Flight's Band. It bears the date 7/5/15, and reads: —           "Probably you have read all about our doings in the papers, and, no doubt, with a little pride. Well, our first taste of war was landing under fire and such fire — shrapnel, machine gun and rifle. It was as thick as a hailstorm. The wonder is the losses were not greater. Well, we got out of the boats, that is, those who were not hit, and swam for shore for a bit of shelter from the lead, and to get our wind. Then we pushed on up the heights, driving the Turks back a couple of ridges. Of course, we were helped by the warships. And such help: I will not forgot it, if I live to 100 years. Had a little exciting episode on the third day, and won't forget it in a hurry. Our trench was rushed by a small party of Turks, led by an officer. They practically caught us napping, having crawled up to close quarters in the scrub, and the next thing I knew was some Turks on the parapet, and the officer firing point blank into the trench with his revolver. He got my second in the shoulder. We dished them up in regular style. Now, if my luck is in, the officer's sword (a rather trumpery one) should reach home; a middy on one of his Majesty' ships promised me he would forward it at the first opportunity. Remember me to all the band boys. Bob Scott wished to be remembered to you."

On 23/7/15 Private Walker wrote: — "The opportunity and a piece of writing paper came my way, so I took both — the first during a spell of a few days away from the noise (I have been off my oats, bully and biscuit a la canine), and the second because of its scarcity. Our part of the contract should be well on the road to a finish, before the winter sets in; if so, it should have some bearing on operations in the western zone. I have been through (personally) three months of nerve tonics, including the first landing and charge, and also another charge before Achi Baba, the stronghold at the lower end of the peninsula, and have seen men go down in hundreds before rifle, machine gun and shell fire. Naturally I have had a few close shaves, but am still "all here;" at, least, I think so. The Australians are never backward, and have kept their reputation here as well as at home. A good number of poor fellows have found a last resting place on Turkish soil, as the rows of graves will testify. I saw the final act re poor old Triumph, the boat that used to stand off and hammer blazes into the Turks near our position. Things were reversed one morning. 'The Turks were heavily reinforced one night in the middle of May, and made a general attack on the Australians at daybreak. They came right up to the trenches in places, and if you could have been carried over here and travel the trenches to view the sight of dead Turks, you would henceforth believe what can happen in war in the space of a few minutes. They were lying in bunches, in places overlying one another, so deadly had been the hail of lead showered at them. I have great respect for the Turk as a fighter. He is very cunning, and, to give him his due, very fair also. He could teach the Hun points in civilised warfare, but, of course, there are the, semi-civilised among them who would take no prisoners. The Turks called for an armistice a week after their foolish charge to bury the dead, which was granted, and not too soon, as the smell from the bodies was overbearing along the front, the weather being so warm.”[1]

Frank Walker was one of the first to enlist from Bendigo and served right throughout the entire A.I.F’s time in the Great War leaving England in November 1918. His final rank was Regimental Quarter Master Sergeant. He returned to Australia in December 1918 having been granted ‘1914 Leave’.

SERVICE DETAILS: 

Regimental No: 56

Place of birth: Bendigo

Religion: Church of England

Occupation: Blacksmith

Address: 128 Moran Street, Bendigo, Victoria

Marital status: Single

Age at enlistment: 30

Next of kin: Mother, Mrs Walker, 128 Moran Street, Bendigo

Enlistment date: 18 August 1914

Rank on enlistment: Private

Unit name: 7th Btn, 59th Btn, Machine Gun Section – 5th MGC

Embarked: Transport A20 Hororata on 19 October 1914

Final Rank: Regimental Quartermaster Sergaent

Fate: Returned to Australia 4 December 1918

Date of death: 8 April 1953

September 1915 on the Dardenelles.

Letter written to Pompey Elliot to his sister-in-law Belle Campbell  on September 19 1917, the day before he recommended RQMS Frank Walker for the Distinguished Conduct Medal –

“The guns are booming like the waves on the shore again – drumming to call us to battle, and for many of us beating our funeral marches at the same time. If I could leave the old lady and the wee people a little more money I would go willingly, since men must die that we may be quit of the old Kaiser and his soldiers, and it may as well be me as the next man, and my poor boys have to face it all the time after time and it is up to the officers (even the highest) not to shrink from what their men have to face. But whether we shrink or whether we don’t, we must each and all go into it with what courage we can muster and take ‘such chance as chance shall send”[3].

[1] The Bendigo Independent, Thu 16 Sep 1915  Page 5  BANDSMAN'S LETTERS
[2] Photo on Geni Website - https://www.geni.com/people/Frank-Walker/6000000022785187827
[3] Pompey Elliot at War, In his own words. Edited by Ross McMullin. Scribe. p.276

Frank Wallker was born in Bendigo, the son of Mrs J. Walker, of 128 Moran Street, Bendigo.   He was a Blacksmith, 30 years old, and had previously served in the Militia for 5 years.   He was amongst the early volunteers for the Expeditionary Force, enlisting on 18.8.14.   The following day he left Bendigo for the Broadmeadows Camp.   He was allotted Service no. 56 and appointed to the Machine Gun section of the 7th Battalion.   

Prior to Embarkation he was Presented with a complete smoking outfit from the members of Flight’s Band.   

The 7th Battalion left Broadmeadows Camp on 18 October, 1914, and embarked for service overseas on board HMAT ‘Hororata’.   Arriving in Egypt the battalion moved into camp at Mena, at the foot of the pyramids.   (6/12/14)     

The 7th Battalion was part of the force which landed at Anzac Cove on 25th April, 1915.   Frank Walker was promoted to Corporal on 1/5/15. 

In May, Lieut.-General Sir W.R. Birdwood, in command of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, was asked to provide part of the Australian force to assist in a British offensive at Cape Helles.    The 2nd Australian Brigade, which included the 7th Battalion, was one of two brigades provided.    The 7th Battalion left Anzac and disembarked at ‘V’ Beach, Cape Helles, on May 6th.  The battalion moved forward on May 8th in what was later known as the “2nd Battle of Krithia”  (8-11 May).   This battle achieved minimal gain and casualties were extremely high.   

The battalion returned to Anzac Cove on 17th May 1915.     Frank Walker was Promoted to Sergeant on 6/6/15.   

On July 3rd the battalion moved into the trenches at Steele’s Post.    The downward slope behind Steele’s Post was directly overlooked by the Turks, who were in position on the higher ground.   Turkish riflemen made this area particularly unsafe.   The trenches were subject to constant bombardment from the Enemy Howitzer, causing explosions which buried men.  

During July Frank Walker became sick with Neurasthenia and Diarrhoea.    He rejoined the battalion on 2/8/15.   

On August 8th the 7th Battalion moved into position at Lone Pine, preparing to participate in a Diversionary attack on the Turkish trenches on the 400 Plateau.    Heavy fighting ensued with multiple casualties.   

On September 13 the battalion embarked for Lemnos & marched to Sarpi Camp.   The health of the men was of great concern and it was hoped to improve this by an extended period of rest.   The men were fed well, but the improvement in the men’s health was very slow indeed.   The battalion returned to Anzac on November 21st.  

In December preparations began for the evacuation of Anzac.   The 7th Battalion was withdrawn on the night of December 19th.   The men were divided into A B C & Rear Parties.    A Party began to leave the firing line at 5.15 p.m.    C Party moved from loophole to loophole maintaining a normal level of fire.   The 7th Battalion had been ordered to select the ‘fittest and most alert men' for C Party.   It included no. 27 and no. 29 machine guns and crews.   C party began to move off at 2 am.    Frank Walker was one of 3 men who manned the machine gun until 2.20 a.m.   They carried the gun and the belt boxes with them when they left.   

The battalion embarked for Lemnos and then disembarked in Egypt on 6th January 1916.   In February the Australian force was re-organized.  The 7th Battalion was split into two halves.  One half went as veterans to form the nucleus of a new 59th Battalion.    Frank Walker moved with the nucleus of veterans to the 59th Battalion.(24/2/16)     He transferred to the 15th Bde  M.G. Coy on 8/3/16, and went on to serve with distinction on the Western Front.    On 13/6/16 he was Promoted as CQMS.

Frank Walker was Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty and consistent good work.   He took part in several engagements and at all times set a fine example of courage and determination.”   Date of action: Feb – Sept 1917.

In 1918 the designation of his unit changed to 5th Machine Gun Battalion, in which he served as RQMS.     He RTA on 1/11/18.  Special 1914 Leave.

“The First Lot.   7th Battalion.   The first men of the Bendigo district to volunteer for service in the First World War.”: Larna Malone