Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Frank William Tamke

Born on the 22nd August 1914, Frank was the oldest of seven children of Gustave and Gertrude Tamke, born in the Barossa town of Angaston. The other boys were Rex (deceased), Keith, Rodney, Darcy and Kevin; the girls Roma and Carmen (Dolly). Their father had healthy crops of fruit trees at their Lights Pass property where he specialised in producing prunes. Frank attended the local Angaston school and was active in a range of different sporting and cultural pursuits. A popular young lad, he celebrated his 16th Birthday with a surprise party which was well attended by his football team. The evening was complete with accordion music and the traditional generous supper and birthday cake. Frank became the Honorary Secretary of the Angaston B-grade Football Club, relishing the role of organising a Grand Ball, replete with an Orchestra. Being a member of the musical Glee Club, Frank’s skills as a singer were regularly in demand, including as a soloist for fellow footballer’s (Len Linke’s) wedding in 1937. He also had a solo part "Watchman! What of the Night?" in the Glee Club’s Annual Concert performance which featured "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere". Those carefree days quickly dissipated with the outbreak of WWII. Frank was 25 when he and close friend, Robert Johnson enlisted on the 24th November, 1939 with the 2/10th Infantry.

A huge Angaston Farewell was made to Frank and Robert, the first to enlist from the town. They had been allocated consecutive numbers in the AIF, Frank SX1121 and Robert SX1122 (and being born just five days apart). Both young men were presented with a gold propelling pencil engraved with the name of heir town, "Angaston.'' The local Comforts Group presented each with a parcel while the Angaston Glee Club followed with a presentation of a silver cigarette case and life membership, commenting that both men had been inspirational with the club for a decade. Patriotic singing of the National Anthem and Song of Australia followed the formal presentation of the new soldiers to those present who were rightfully proud of “these two fine citizens who were going to do their duty” with the huge attendance giving some indication of the high esteem in which they were held. The local newspaper, The Leader reported Cr Chinner referring to the “number of farewells during the Great War, and hoped the need would not arise for so many on this occasion. The district joined in wishing the guests good luck and a safe return.” Representatives from The Anglican Church presented a small cross to all members enlisting for service with the fervent wish “for an early peace, more lasting than that of 1918, and that God would protect the boys wherever they were”. Both men’s sporting backgrounds were acknowledged in the hope that involvement in sporting activities might prove useful in helping them to grin in the face of difficulties. Frank had been the football club's efficient secretary and valuable fullback, as well as a useful member of the Colts Cricket Club. The local Barrett family also presented Frank with a gift.

The Leader, reported that; “The Glee Club seemed also to have found a great place in the affections of Pte. Tamke, and not unnoticed was the action of Mr Dempster in having him as soloist in one of that evening's offerings.” Rarely had Frank sung better. In his return thanks, Frank remarked that they had “only try to do their bit and that it had been a pleasure to be associated with the fine fellows represented in these clubs. He highly valued the honour of Glee Club life membership, the gifts and remarks that evening, and the efforts of those responsible for such an excellent social.”

A final farewell was at Frank and Bob’s previous Angaston school, where they were informed that the students “were already helping with knitting and collecting for funds to help the men at the front.” Both soldiers were assured they would be put on the honour roll with any others enlisting from Angaston.

The effect on the football community was immediate with most of the team choosing to enlist. By 1940 the Angaston Football Club, of necessity affiliated with the Barossa and Light Association, on the understanding that, if advisable, games would be suspended during the war.

By April of 1940, news was received of Frank’s promotion to corporal. This also coincided with Frank’s younger brother Keith, also enlisting. Family and the community anxiously awaited any news of those serving overseas. Similarly, the local newspaper, The Leader, was shared amongst the Angaston soldiers. Frank wrote, saying that “It was great to read about all the hometown is doing, and to realise the wonderful work of the people of the district to help with the war funds and in other ways.” He also shared the sense of adventure on a beautiful liner where he felt like a king in their sea trip from Sydney, to Freemantle and thence Capetown where the people could not do enough. “Cars were waiting for tours of the beauty spots and they intermingled with the South African soldiers who added anything else necessary to make the stay a memorable one for five days.” Frank was also fulsome in his praise for the great British Navy, which took them safely to England. From there trains took them to the Australian camp. He was enchanted by the thatched roofed houses, quaint villages, rousing reception by the people and the scenery so totally different from Australia. Sightseeing was a highlight: London, concerts, picture shows and other diversions, occupied their spare time.

Within ten months, conditions were grim and troops utterly weary as they were pounded by an efficient German air force.  To then meet with another Angaston friend to share stories and much-read copies of The Leader from home, was a highlight as occurred when Frank met Frank Abinett. The paper also was instrumental in sending cheerios to Frank from his old Football Club and the Glee Club, both of which had been decimated by members signing up to serve Australia. Frank had made a promise to write to friends and family and fulfilled this admirably. The Leader reported that “Frank has never forgotten the promise to write. He gives his letters a lot of thought and really deserves all the air mail envelopes that regularly are posted from here with replies.” Angaston was justifiably incredibly proud of their ‘boys’ sharing any scrap of information about their well-being.

By February of 1942, acting Quartermaster Sergeant Frank Tamke was reporting from Syria where “ice on the water is inches thick, and so soon as any water is thrown out, it freezes.” He tempers this with reports of his recent wonderful Christmas dinner, and appreciation for the good things sent from Australia. He candidly added that he can't stand the "wog" concerts, but freely patronises the pictures, where any appearance of Aussies on the screen is always greeted with a cheer. Despite the conditions overseas, Frank also supports fundraising for his local Angaston Hospital with a financial donation.

In a respite from fighting in New Guinea, Frank was able to spend some precious leave with his younger brother, Keith with their family in 1944. That year, as Staff Sergeant, Frank proudly announced his engagement in June to Dorris Presser from Lindsay Park, Angaston. In an horrific freak accident, just three months later in September, Frank’s youngest brother, Kevin was fatally injured when struck by a cricket ball. The community was distraught with Kevin’s fellow classmates forming a guard of honour for their friend.

The extended family continued to remember their three young sons and brothers; Leader (Angaston, SA : 1918 - 1954), Thursday 19 September 1946, In loving memory of Kevin, who died on September 22, 1944; aged 12 years. There is a road called remembrance, where thoughts and wishes meet. We take that road to-day to a son we cannot greet. United with his brothers Rex and Rodney. Sadly missed by his loving parents, brothers and sisters.

With hostilities drawing to a close in 1945, Frank cheekily wrote home on acquired Japanese airmail paper with news of his fine collection of souvenirs. While still in Borneo in September he quietly reflected on his pride in the unit he joined at Woodside in 1939, of which only 80 remained after six years of conflict. Along with others from his town, Frank was warmly welcomed home in November, marrying just before Christmas in 1945. Frank presented Doris with a beautiful string of pearls. Just two years later, they welcomed their first child, a son. His father, Gustave enjoyed having his sons return from the conflict and particularly being a grandparent for a short while, but he died in September 1950, aged just 62.

Frank returned to his involvement in the local community, taking pride in growing and showing Dahlias. In 1954 he won the Adelaide National competition with a bloom named Nora O'Neill. In total he achieved 14 firsts and 10 second prizes for these blooms.  

Aged 63 Frank died on the 3rd May 1978. He is buried at the Angaston Cemetery where his parents and younger brother, Keith are also interred.

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