Family connections
By Marg Powell, Specialist Library Technician, Metadata Services | 11 April 2015
One of the images used to promote the Distant Lines exhibition at the State Library of Queensland is from the Marks Family Papers, which shows Captain Alexander Marks on the right, with Major Gus Hughes in their dugout on Gallipoli in 1915.
Major Gus Hughes and Major Alexander Marks in a dugout at Gallipoli Turkey 1915. 273331, Marks Family Papers, State Library of Queensland
If you look very closely you can see in the back ground - packing cases used as shelving, which hold books, toilet paper and a family photo of three children.
When one of Marks' descendants noticed the image he recognised the family photo, of the Marks children - Charles, Anne and his mother, Loddie (born in September 1914). He has since donated a copy of the original photo held by the family, it is a great personal connection.
Marks family children, Charles, Anne and Loddie (born September 1914). Image courtesy of the Marks family.
Dr Alexander Marks, was a third-generation medical practitioner from a notable Queensland family, and one of three doctor brothers, including Ted Marks and Espie Dods, who served in the First World War.
It is marvellous that the image has survived and that it was with Captain Marks in these incredibly difficult circumstances. It no doubt gave him strength and courage to return safely to his family.
From Gallipoli Marks went to France and although invalided with pneumonia in February 1917 continued to serve until his return to Australia in 1919. For his outstanding work he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (1916), the French Croix de Guerre (1918), and was twice mentioned in despatches. He was appointed C.B.E. in 1919.
Major (later Colonel) Francis Augustus Hughes commanded the 7th Battery, 3rd Artillery Brigade and landed on the shores of Gallipoli on the 26th of April 1915. He continued this command until the evacuation in December. He later served in France and Belgium and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his leadership at Fleurbaix and in the Ypres salient and was mentioned in dispatches in January 1917. He returned to manage his family’s estate in early 1918.
DISTANT LINES: Queensland voices of the First World War, Exhibition held, 4 April - 15 November 2015
Read more ...
- Francis Augustus Hughes (1874-1951) [ADB entry]
- 27331, Marks Family Collection, State Library of Queensland
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