Frank was born at Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, U.K.
The 17th Battalion was raised in March 1915 in Liverpool, New South Wales, forming part of the 5th Brigade, which was assigned to the 2nd Division. Frank was working as a labourer at Barrington when he enlisted with D Company, 17th Battalion on the 19th of February 1915. He gave his father George of Old Wardon, Bedforshire as his next of kin.
The battalion embarked aboard the ‘HMAT A32 Themistocles’ at Sydney on the 12th of May bound for Egypt. After arriving, the battalion spent time training. On the 16th of August the battalion departed Alexandria and proceeded to join BEF at Gallipoli, landing at Anzac Cove on the 20th of August. They took part in the August Offensive, during which time they were engaged in the attack on Hill 60. Following this they were mainly used in a defensive role, defending Quinn’s Post, which was one of the most fought over positions at Gallipoli.
The battalion was withdrawn from the peninsula in December 1915 along with the rest of the Allied forces after the decision was made to abandon the campaign disembarking the Mudros at Alexandria on the 9th of January 1916. After their arrival back in Egypt, a further period of training was undertaken as the AIF was reorganised and expanded.
On the 17th of March, the 17th Battalion departed Alexandria for France, disembarking at Marseilles on the 23rd as the AIF’s infantry divisions were transferred to the Western Front. The battalion moved up to the front line in April and took over the forward position in the eastern Armentières section. Later, the 17th Battalion took part in the first major battle at Pozières, serving in the line twice at this time between July and August. On the 10th of August, Frank was appointed Lance Corporal.
A period of respite followed this, as the 17th was moved north to Belgium along with the rest of the 2nd Division, remaining there until October when they were transferred back to the Somme. For the remainder of the year, they undertook defensive duties along the front. On the 1st of November Frank was appointed temp Corporal and although they were not involved in any major attacks, he was ‘Wounded in Action’ on the 22nd of November and transferred to the 38th Casualty Clearing Station suffering a Gunshot wound to the head. He reverted to Lance Corporal and sadly, he died the next day aged 32 years. He was buried in the adjacent cemetery.
Personal effects returned to his father were: Shaving brush, Strap, Handkerchief, Comb, Brush. A second parcel held: Pipe, Cigarette Case, Notebook, Belt, Purse, Tobacco Pouch, Letters, Photos, Coins 12.
A letter dated 10th of January 1917 to Base Records shows Mr. HC Perran of Mansfield, Barrington was left in charge of Frank’s affairs in Australia, where Frank held amongst other things, a life insurance policy.
Awards: 1914/15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal.
Cemetery: Heilly Station Cemetery, Mericourt-L’Abbe, Picardie, France Plot 6 Row C Grave 7
Memorials: Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour;
Gloucester Memorial Clock Tower.
“Lest We Forget”
Biography contributed by Michael Silver (VWMA) & edited by Admin.