Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

KILLED IN FRANCE
BRILLIANT AUSTRALIAN
WRITER
A brilliant Australian, though one who was far better known in London than in his own land, was killed in action in France recently. This was Captain Theodore Flatau, son of Dr. J. M. Flatau, of Sydney. Captain Flatau was with the East Surrey Regiment, and met his death on the parapet of the German front line trench while cheering on his men. Although only 26 years old, Captain Flatau was well on his way to achieving a brilliant literary career. Born in Sydney, he received his early education at the Sydney Grammar and High Schools, and at the age of 18 went to England, where he was at Oxford University for four years. On leaving Oxford, Captain Flatau received an appointment as editor of a Cairo paper, and it was while he was in Egypt that his first  novel, The Soul of a Dancer, was published. Into this novel he put. much of the haunting beauty of the East, and the work was highly praised by the critics. Later on Captain Flatau returned to London, where he contributed largely to various journals and newspapers, and was, for a time, editor of the World in succession to Lord Wintcrton. He published two further novels. The Sun-God Girl and The Thrice Born, which, though well received, did not gain the popularity of The Soul of a Dancer. Writing to his father about 18 months ago. Captain Flatau announced his intention of enlisting, saying, 'I have found it my duty to do' my 'bit' for my native country.' Although his son was killed about five weeks ago, it was not until Friday afternoon that Dr. Flatau heard the news, which was communicated to him by a member of the Sunday Times staff. Dr. Flatau has three surviving children, two daughters who live in Paris, and a son, Mr. Reginald Flatau, who is on the staff of the London Times.