Footballer, Machinery Expert, Courageous and Noble Soldier – Frank Russell Jones

Born in Fortitude Valley on 27th September 1895, the son of William Thomas Jones and Annie Russell, Frank Russell Jones was known as a prominent forward for Kelvin Grove Football Club. Described by a fellow soldier as "a ginger haired chap, clean shaven, short and thick set" (Australian War Memorial), Frank enlisted at the age of 20 at Brisbane on 6th September 1915 and joined the 10th reinforcements of the 25th Infantry Battalion, listing his occupation as Machinery Expert. It seems that he continued to put his sporting skills to good use, playing in the Battalion football team. He embarked on the HMAT Commonwealth on 28th March 1916. 

From March 1916, the AIF were sent to fight on the Western Front, and Australian soldiers went to Base Depots after arriving in France before they were deployed to the front. The 25th Battalion participated in its first major battle at Pozieres between 25 July and 7 August, suffering 785 casualties, and Frank was admitted to 12th General Hospital on 6th August 1916 with a mild gunshot wound to the foot. After a brief stay in England, Frank then returned to France on the S.S. Victoria and rejoined his battalion on 9th December 1916.

Frank was later awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his courageous actions during successful operations at Polygon Wood on 20th September 1917. His citation reads, 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When a nest of "Pill-boxes" had caused a gap in the line, he re-organized the leading platoon, and succeeded in rushing and capturing them. Though afterwards buried and badly shaken by a shell, he carried on with his duties, rendering great assistance in getting the company reorganised on the objective and consolidating the position. His coolness and courage throughout were most inspiring.' (National Archives of Australia). Nine days later he was promoted to second lieutenant.  

Then tragedy struck while the Battalion was in support at Broodseinde Ridge. Frank was in a dugout with his company waiting to be relieved, when he was severely wounded by a shell that landed in the dugout. Initially carried to a dressing station in Zonnebeke, he was then moved to the 10th Casualty Clearing Station but died of his wounds on 10th October 1917. 

A letter of condolence addressed to Frank’s brother read, "It is with most heartfelt regret that I inform you of the death of your brother... (Frank) has at all times served his colors with the utmost keenness of discipline. The various duties allotted to him were carried out with a strong soldierly spirit that earned the entire satisfaction of his superior commander." (Trove) A soldier who knew Frank commented, “He was a great favourite with us all, and is sadly missed” (Australian War Memorial).  

Frank’s sister May also lamented the loss of her brother, writing that “The only consolation we have is to know that he nobly laid down his life in the service of our king and country...” (National Archives of Australia) 

Frank Russell Jones is buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Poperinghe. The inscription on his headstone reads, “He died as he lived, nobly.” 

References 

Virtual War Memorial n.d., 'JONES, Frank Russell', viewed 22 November 2022, https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/210001  

1917 'THE LATE 2nd-LIEUT. F. R. JONES, D.C.M.', The Daily Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1903; 1916 - 1926), 31 December, p. 6. , viewed 3 June 2022, <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article213753044 

Australian War Memorial n.d., '25th Australian Infantry Battalion', awm.gov.au, viewed 11 August 2024, https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U51465  

Commonwealth War Graves Commission, ‘Second Lieutenant Frank Russell Jones’, viewed 22 November 2022, https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/431345/frank-russell-jones  

2nd Lieutenant Frank Russell Jones, Australian Red Cross Society Wounded and Missing Enquiry Bureau files, 1914-18 War 1DRL/0428, Australian War Memorial, viewed 22 November 2022, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/awm-media/collection/RCDIG1049000/document/5636671.PDF  

Following the Twenty-Second - The First World War through the lives of an Australian Infantry Battalion viewed 22 November 2022, https://anzac-22nd-battalion.com/training-camps-france  

National Archives of Australia 2023, NAA: B2455, JONES F R, viewed 31 January 2023, https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=1817310