Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Joseph Patrick QUINLIVAN

Francis ‘Frank’ Quinlivan is a veteran of the Second World War.

Frank was born in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia.

In February 1944, at age 18, Frank enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). He completed his recruit training at Flinders Naval Base (Cerberus) and was then posted to the destroyer HMAS Warramunga. Frank joined the Warramunga’s crew in August 1944 and took part in operations throughout the Pacific. They provided naval support to the US landings at Morotai in modern Indonesia and Leyte in the Philippines. In early 1945, Frank and the Warramunga supported the US landing at Lingayen Gulf in the Philippines, and in May the Australian landings at Tarakan and Wewak. When the Warramunga returned to Australia for a refit in July 1945, Frank was transferred back to Cerberus where he saw out the war.

Frank was discharged from the RAN in December 1946. He says the best thing about serving was ‘working with your comrades’. After the war, Frank became a maths teacher and progressed to being a principal. He married his wife Carmel in 1953, and they went on to have 6 children. They now have 18 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Sadly, Carmel and one of their children have passed away.

When Frank was younger, he was an avid golfer, enjoyed travelling and was a keen Lions Club member. He now likes pottering around his garden, listening to classical music and catching up with his old mates.

Frank credits his long life to 2 glasses of red wine every night, and staying active and fit.