Family connections

One of the images used to promote the current 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.

Marks Family Papers, John Oxley Library, SLQ 27331-3016-0047

When one of Marks' descendants received his invitation to the opening of the Exhibition he noticed the image and he recalled the family photo, it is of Marks children - Charles, Anne and his mother, Loddie (born in September 1914). He has sent us a copy of the original photo held by the family, it is a great personal connection.

How 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.

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, 4 Apr - 15 Nov 2015 | SLQ | Free

Sources:

• ADB entry: Hughes, Francis Augustus (1874-1951)
• Marks Family Collection, John Oxley Library, SLQ 27331