Flindell, Frank Richard

No.1620 – Corporal Frank Richard Flindell – 8^th LTMB AIF

Frank Richard Flindell was born in Fremantle WA in 1894 to Francis and Rose Flindell. He was educated at Christian Brothers College and was also a member of the 87B Cadets. The family soon moved to West Perth. After leaving school Frank worked as a farm hand and also as a ferryman. On the 12^th July 1915 aged 21 Frank enlisted in the AIF at the Perth Drill Hall. He was accepted for service with the medical examiner finding Frank to be 5 feet 5 & ½ inches in height; weight of 127 lbs; chest measurement of 32-35 inches; fair complexion; green eyes and brown hair. His religious denomination was Church of England.

Frank was initially allotted to No.16 Depot Company but was soon assigned to the 1^st Reinforcements to the 32^nd Battalion with the regimental no.1620. The 1^st Reinforcement group trained with C & D Companies of the 32^nd Battalion in WA for the next few months and also moved with them to Adelaide when they joined up with the South Australian A & B Companies. They trained for a short time in Adelaide when the embarkation orders came through. They boarded the H.M.A.T. “Geelong” at Adelaide on the 28^th November 1915 and set sail for Egypt.

On arrival in Egypt the Battalion commenced training and also took a part in the defence of Egypt by garrisoning the Suez defence line. Frank was still part of the 1^st Reinforcements at Ismailia Camp and was fined for absenting himself on parade on the 4^th February 1916 for which he was confined to camp for seven days and also had to forfeit 1 days pay. On the 16^th February he was taken on strength of “A” Company of the 32^nd Battalion.

On the 6^th April 1916 Frank got into trouble for going absent without leave and missing a battalion parade. He was given 7 days of field punishment No.2 and had to forfeit 8 days pay. On the 22^nd April while the 32^nd battalion were stationed at the Ferry Post, Frank was sent to the 15^th Field Ambulance suffering from influenza though he rejoined the 32^nd on the 27^th April. The next two months were spent in Egypt and it wasn’t until mid June that the Battalion received their embarkation orders. On the 17^th June the 32^nd Battalion left Alexandria bound for France.

The 32^nd Battalion arrived in Marseilles on the 23^rd June and were sent north to the region around Armentieres. They relieved the 4^th Division AIF around Fleurbaix. On the 6^th July Frank was sent to a School of Instruction and on the 20^th July he was transferred to the 8^th Light Trench Mortar Battery. The records do not state if he took part in the Fromelles action before his transfer though if he did he was unwounded. Frank would continue to serve with the 8^th LTMB through 1916, and on the 12^th November was promoted to Lance Corporal.

On the 13^th January 1917 Frank was granted leave to England and over two weeks later returned to his unit, no doubt having spent an enjoyable time in England. Shortly after his return he was admitted to the 4^th Field Ambulance ill and it was diagnosed that he had mumps. Frank spent around three weeks in hospital while he recovered and rejoined his unit on the 4^th March 1917. On the 8^th March, due to his good work, Frank was promoted to Corporal. On the 29^th March he was sent to the 5^th Army Trench Mortar School, returning on the 20^th April.

On the 3^rd May 1917 the second battle for Bullecourt began with the 2^nd Division assaulting the German lines. The 8^th Light Trench Mortars were providing fire support to the 2^nd Division and unfortunately were on the end of severe German shellfire. Frank was killed instantly by shrapnel on the 3^rd May 1917. Unfortunately there are no burial records to show as to Frank’s resting place so he is commemorated on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial France.

His mother in King William St Fremantle would receive Frank’s effects and medals.