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The large town of Port Pirie was where Gordon (called Frank) was born to William Frank and Hilda Maud Munday on 3rd February, 1918. His hometown was Cowell, on the west coast of South Australia, renown for fishing and farming as well as being home to green jade. Frank had three siblings, an older brother, Douglas and two sisters, Mary Jean and Thelma.
All the children were students at the local Mangalo School which immersed student in a wide range of subjects, including writing an essay to celebrate the opening of the new Cowell Aerodrome in September 1929. Frank, who was the only grade 6 student in a composite class of grades 6 and 7, had his essay selected as the best of the 17 entries. Frank was also a capable sportsman in the end of year school picnic sports, excelling both in the 6/7 flat race and high jump. He also gained his Qualifying Certificate in 1931 with a creditable 592 marks, which was the second highest result of his class. He continued to maintain an interest in his school, attending the Centenary School Picnic in ’36 and also gaining second spot in the Bike race held on the day.
Frank also enjoyed his football, playing for Rovers in the local competition as well as cricket where he and close friend Mick Cleave were both selected in the Mangalo Representative team playing at Utera in ’39. That same year his older sister Mary Jean married in August and Frank was the groomsman for Horace Ramsey in the wedding at the Cowell Methodist Church.
Frank acquired the nick-name of ‘Doc’ with some friends, which may have been connected to his work as an agriculturalist. However, with the outbreak of WWII, early in June ’40 Frank, close friend Mick Cleave and Roy Hannemann, also from Mangalo travelled to Adelaide to enlist, and successfully all passed their medicals, heading in to camp at the end of the month. Frank became SX6672, Mick Cleave SX662 and Roy SX6661. Roy’s service was with the Army Canteen Service and the other two were allocated to the newly formed 2/48th Battalion. Their initial days were spent in the cold of the Pavilions, now part of the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds before the new enlistees headed to Woodside for their preliminary training.
In typical country fashion, while on pre-embarkation leave, Frank was farewelled at the Salt Creek Hall in October with dancing, musical items and supper. Speeches praising Frank’s character were made before he was presented with a gift from the Salt Creek Patriotic Club. He graciously responded to their generosity and thoughtful words.. The following week both Frank and Mick Cleave were jointly farewelled at the Mangalo Hall. Again, dancing, singing and supper were highlights before the President of the Red Cross and Comforts Fund congratulated the young men’s families on ‘the sound foundation of life they have set the boys’ before prophetically adding that ‘He expressed sympathy with the parents at a time like this but said that he was sure that honour exceeded sorrow.’ Their positive contribution while school students was also noted before they were wished the best of luck and a safe return. Both young soldiers were then presented with a parcel of woollies and fountain pen from the Mangalo folk.
The Cowell Cheer Up Society also organised a farewell social for the two friends and attended by over 350 people. This followed a sports afternoon and fancy-dress football match, followed by a procession of soldiers home on leave. That evening the two friends plus Mick and Jack Stening were also farewelled. (Mick was SX7406 with the 2/28th Battalion and Jack SX7310 with the 32nd Infantry Battalion.) All four were escorted through a guard of honour before speeches praised them for their ‘splendid physical appearance’. Mick and Frank were singled out for being ‘straight and honest lads in their dealing.’ The four young men then were presented with an inscribed wrist watch before each publicly thanked those in attendance. Frank, accompanied by his mother, left on the S.S. Quorna for Adelaide. (The ship also carried general cargo including 200 bags of wool). Following their pre-embarkation leave, the 2/48th contingent embarked on the Stratheden for the Middle East, on the 7th November 1940 arriving in the Middle east on January 3rd, ‘41.
Frank was home, in a brief return in March ’41. By the start of April 1941, the 2/48th were in Tobruk where the dust, flies, heat, minimal water supplies and constant bombardment were quite a challenge to new enlistees. They were to become the famed Rats of Tobruk faced with dust, flies, insanitary conditions and rations as well as constant bombardment.
In the Eyre Peninsula Tribune of September ‘41, a letter was published from Ron Jackson, SX6963 of Melrose, who was also in the 2/48th Battalion. He wryly commented that friend Leo “doesn't seem to think much of Woodside. I know it's pretty crook up there, but he will find that he has worse to put up with if he ever gets to this place. We are still in Africa in those glamorous parts of the east, where the golden sun sets on the horizon, showing up the beauties of the desert, and a cool breeze blows across the shifting sand as a handsome Arab sheik rides past on his beautiful white horse. That's the sort of stuff you read about in books; but when you come to see them with your own eyes they change somewhat. The country here is not fit to live in. The white horse is as skinny as a rake, and the Arabs are about the dirtiest people I've ever seen. We have just come out of the front lines for a spell so hope they dump us down by the beach for a while so that we can get a good, wash and clean up.” Mick Cleave was also a contributor, writing " I have Frank Munday here with me now in Jack Golding's section. Its great having a Mangalo lad with me as we can talk over old times at home, matter of fact one thinks he is home for a while.” He added “Frank is O.K. and wishes to be remembered to you all. He and I are talking of buying that Bacon Factory they are talking of building Remember me to all and tell them I'm still good for any 10 Fritz and we are all feeling fine." This shared dream of the two friends was sadly never to come to fruition.

Amongst the fighting and conditions of warfare, Frank and Mick had some precious leave. Mick wrote extensively of this to his parents who again shared his observations through the local paper in February ’42:
‘Frank and I were on a conduct tour for three days' sightseeing. I took eight films of snaps so should have some to send home when I receive them back. We left Wednesday morning, travelling as far as Haifa where we spent half a day. There were four of us who hailed a taxi and spent a couple of hours sightseeing all over Mt Carmel, and believe me, it is a sight. It is just like an arial view looking down from the top Over to one side is the town and most of the buildings are white so they show up beautifully, with the sea as a background, I took several snaps of the town to try and give you an idea of the place and also of some of the very modern buildings. We had dinner and tea there and camped out of the town for the night. The next morning our cooks provided breakfast for us and we were on the road for Nazareth by half past eight. The drive is really marvellous and it is through very high hills all of the way, with the exception of a few small plains. The first, being the plain where every nation of the world has fought at some time or other. It is a very rich and fertile flat — very dark soil of which the Jews have every inch under cultivation. There are some wonderful vegetable gardens also along the road. We arrived in Nazareth at about eleven o'clock, but before going down to the town from the hills the buses stopped to enable us to take some photos of the place as we had a marvellous view of the whole town. After dinner a guide took us to the old churches which have been there for years and years. The present church is the fourth that has been built and it has been built over the floor of the old one. Under that is the real old one which is below ground level — more or less in a cave. The guide showed us through with a lantern, and by heavens they are old and quaint. We saw the place where Joseph had his carpenter shop, and also his tomb in one of the old buildings, Outside the church are old relics of the first church, centuries past. Old stone pillars and so forth. We also had a look through the Catholic Church which has been there for ages. It is very beautiful inside and there are women looking after the church so that no one is able to enter until the doors are opened from the inside. We signed our names in the visitors' book they keep, so I guess they will be there for a few hundred years to come.’ He concluded with news that Frank’s parents would have looked forward to – hearing of his voice over the radio: ‘We arrived back just after dark after having a champion trip and one I will never forget. Home, by the way is the camp. It is always referred to as 'home' amongst ourselves. You must have had a pretty good time in Cowell during the weekend. I would like a go at the fish and crabs myself. By the way Frank will be speaking over the air one of these nights, I hope you hear him. They wanted seven to speak from the platoon so drew them from a hat; I missed, but Frank will do. He is putting in a good word for all of us.’
Aged just 24, Frank died of wounds sustained on the 25th October, 1942 during the fierce fighting in a massive assault to ambitiously take the strategic position of Trig 29. Conditions at the time were ever-changing and the fighting continuous. Montgomery had ordered the 9th Battalion to attack northward.
John Glenn describes the carnage caused by the chance hit from an enemy shell on a truck loaded with mines.
‘An ear shattering explosion dwarfed the sound of the guns into insignificance. Seven other trucks, all ladened with mines, had been set off. The whole area became a ghastly raging inferno. As trucks burned and exploded a great wall of fire shot into the sky. The gun flashes seemed dimmed; night was turned into day. The concussion was terrific. Steve Fitzgerald who was bringing up the mortar truck, which was laden with bombs, was seventy or so yards behind the trucks when the first one went off. His vehicle rocked in the blast, and, blinded by the flash, he was thrown clear out of it and onto the ground. Russ Lucas and Doug Richardson, who were manning a wireless set in a nearby trench, were temporarily stunned, but by gallant effort they got one man out of the trucks. He died in their arms. Parts of their wireless set were never found; the batteries were picked up two hundred yards away. Two thousand mines went up in this explosion; all the war equipment of both B and D Companies was destroyed. Of the ten men who were in the vehicles, not one was saved.‘ He added:
‘The attack continued, however, without pause…it was only after hard fighting, with heavy casualties on both sides, that they were able to consolidate on their objective. The troops had never been more tired.. The 2/48th had stirred up a real hornets’ nest; from first light until nine o’clock the enemy turned all their fury on the Trig area, with particularly heavy fire on 29 itself, hiding the position in a cloud of dust and smoke.’ A comment was later made that about the heavy casualties. On that night alone 9 of the Battalion were killed and 20 wounded in action. Of these 16 were from South Australia and the remainder from Western Australia.
The subsequent action between October 25th and 26th meant that the survivors of the horrific explosion and ensuing fighting were not always able to immediately retrieve their fallen men. Frank was wounded under these conditions and later died of his injuries.
The heart-breaking news was announced in the Eyre's Peninsula Tribune of November 5th ’42. “Sincere regret was expressed when it was learned that another Franklin Harbour lad had made the supreme sacrifice. On -Monday Mr and Mrs W. F. Munday of Salt Creek, were advised that their elder son. Frank, had died of wounds whilst on active service abroad- Deceased was born at Port Pirie 24 years ago, and enlisted in June 1940 and sailed for overseas on Good Friday, 1941. He saw service in Tobruk, Syria and Egypt. He lived with his parents at Mangalo and Salt Creek where he was held in high esteem. General sympathy is felt for the members of the bereaved family.”
Within a week the Eyre's Peninsula Tribune was again reporting devastating news that Frank’s childhood friend, Mick Cleave had also died of injuries four days after Frank. “The Franklin Harbour district has suffered still another casualty caused through the war. On Friday, Mr and Mrs P. C. Cleave, of Mangalo, ware advised that their son, Lance Corporal Percival James (Mick) Cleave, had died of wounds whilst on active service abroad. Deceased was 23 years of age and enlisted in June 1940 and sailed for overseas in November, He was in Tobruk for nine months and then returned to Syria. He was a very popular lad at Mangalo and took an active part in all kinds of sport. He was born in the district and received bis education at the Mangalo school, The deepest sympathy goes out to Mr and Mrs Cleave and family in their sad loss. It was a sad coincidence that his comrade, Pte Frank Munday, was killed at the same time. These two lads had been bosom friends since boyhood. They went to school together, went about together and enlisted together.”
A week later the Chronicle posted an official list of those who had died of their wounds with Frank. They were SX6893 Pte Leslie Cutchie, 2/48th Brompton Park; SX6672 Pte. G. Frank Munday, 2/48th Cowell- SX3917 Sgt. Francis G. Ziesing, 2/48th St. Peters.
Frank was initially buried in the field by was later re-buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery on the 19th March, 1945, in Plot A II Row G Grave 5. He rests with others who died over the period of the 23rd – 26th October 1942 from the 2/5th, 2/13th, 2/15th, 2/17th, 2/24th and 2/48th . He rests with men from his own 2/48th Battalion, Privates 23-year-old Frederick Pearce, SX11268 from Terowie, and 29-year-old Leslie Cutchie SX6893 from Hackney. All of these were young men aged from 19 – 29 years old, the cream of Australia’s young men who died at a similar time. His parents chose the inscription ‘There is no greater sacrifice’ to be engraved on his headstone.
With peace finally declared, communities tried to resume regular activities. At a Cricket association dinner in May 46, two minutes’ silence was held in memory of the two friends, Mick and Frank as well as Tom Northcott and 24-year-old Clyde Ramsey, SX13905. Frank is also remembered back home in the local RSL Building with a brass plaque, bearing the inscription ‘Lest We Forget’, In memory of Pte G.F. Mundy SX6672, who made the supreme Sacrifice at El Alamein, October 1942.’
Frank’s parents were able to appreciate the return of Peace in Australia before William’s health deteriorated, resulting in an extended stay in the Cowell Hospital. By 1946, William and Hilda were farewelled at their Salt Creek Church, where William had been Circuit Steward. Aged 66 he died and was buried in Whyalla in December ’51. Hilda survived for another fifteen years, with both now resting in the Whyalla Cemetery. Their headstone also pays tribute to their much-loved son.
The Munday and Cleave families were united in their grief, each remembering the loss of their own son and also of the other family’s.
Eyre's Peninsula Tribune Thursday 3 December 1942, MR AND MRS MUNDAY and family wish to thank all kind friends and relatives for letters, cards, and expressions of sympathy in the loss of their dear son and brother, who died of wounds whilst on active service. Will all please accept this as a personal expression of gratitude.
Eyre's Peninsula Tribune Thursday 21 October 1943, MUNDAY— In loving memory of our dear son and brother Frank, 2/48th Battalion, who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein, on 25th October, 1942. — Inserted by mother, father, sisters and brother. CLEAVE— MUNDAY— In sad but loving memory of our dear son and brother "Mick." A/Coy., 2/48 Batt., who died of wounds at El Alamein, October 29th 1942, also Frank Munday, who died on October 25th, 1942. To live in the hearts of those who are left behind, is not to die. — Sadly missed by his parents, sisters and brother.
Eyre's Peninsula Tribune Thursday 2 November 1944, MUNDAY— In loving memory of our dear friend Frank and pal of Mick, killed in action at El Alamein 26th October l942 — Always remembered by the Cleave family. MUNDAY— In proud and loving memory of our dear son and brother Frank, 2/48th Batt., who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein, 25th October, 1942. — Ever remembered by mother, father, sisters and brother. CLEAVE -In loving memory of our dear friend Mick 2/48th Batt who died of wounds at El Alamein, 29th October, 1942. —Ever remembered by the Munday family
Eyre's Peninsula Tribune Thursday 25 October 1945, MUNDAY— CLEAVE— In loving memory of our dear son and brother Frank, and friend Mick who died of wounds at El Alamein on October 26th and 29th, 1942, —Always remembered by Mr and Mrs Munday and family.
Eyre's Peninsula Tribune Thursday 31 October 1946, A TRIBUTE to the memory of our friend, Pte G. F. Munday, who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein on 25th of October, 1942 —Ever remembered by the Cleave family of Mangalo. MUNDAY— In loving memory of our dear son and brother G. F. (Doc) Munday SX6672 2/48 Batt. Died of wounds at El Alamein. —Ever remembered by his mother, father, sisters and brother. A TRIBUTE to the memory of Cpl P. J. Cleave, 2/48h Batt, who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein, October 30th, 1942. —Ever remembered by the Munday family.
Eyre's Peninsula Tribune Thursday 30 October 1947, MUNDAY— In loving memory of a friend, Frank Munday, 2/48th Batt., who made' the supreme sacrifice. 1942 Greater love hath no man —Ever remembered by the Cleave family. MUNDAY: In loving memory of our dear brother Frank, 2/48 Batt., who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein, October 25th, 1942, Ever remembered by mother, father, sisters and brother CLEAVE A tribute to the memory of P C (Mick) Cleave, 2/48 Batt., killed at El Alamein, 1942 Greater sacrifice can no man make, Inserted by Mr and Mrs Munday and family
Eyre's Peninsula Tribune Thursday 4 November 1948, MUNDAY — In memory of our dear friend; Private G. F. Munday, who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein, 25th October, 1942. —Ever remembered by the Cleave family.
Eyre's Peninsula Tribune Thursday 28 October 1948, -MUNDAY ln loving memory of our dear son and brother, SX6671 Pte G.F. (Frank) Munday, who made the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein, on 25th October 1942 —Inserted by mother, father, sisters and brother. CLE AVE — A tribute to the memory of P.O. (Mick) Cleave, 2/48th Batt., killed at El Alamein, October 29th, 1942. Greater sacrifice can no man make. Inserted by Mr and Mrs Munday and family.
Eyre's Peninsula Tribune Thursday 26 October 1950, MUNDAY— In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Pte. G. F, Munday, died of wounds, El Alamein, October. 25th, 1942 — Ever remembered by his mother, father, sisters and brother.

Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.