The Story
On September 2nd 1916, school teacher Frank Kelly aged 18 joined the army. He became a private in the 18/28th battalion A.I.F. (Australian Imperial Force).
He embarked at Fremantle December 29 1916 and disembarked March 3rd 1917 Davenport, New Zealand before being sent to England and then eventually France. Frank was wounded in action in Belgium September 20 1917 but a couple of weeks later this was changed to missing in action. On November 7 1917, Frank Kelly is reported as killed in action. He had been in the A.I F. for just over a year and a few months prior had celebrated his 19th birthday.
Private Frank Kelly was never able to return to his family. This diary, poem and letters to his mother are the few records of his time serving.