Melissa McIntosh (Lindsay, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Sergeant Francis 'Frank' Arthur Abbott was born in Penrith on 29 January 1893. Frank, his parents and his three brothers lived on Jamison Road. Frank was a storeman until he established his own grocery business. He left the business in the hands of his brother Joseph when he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in 1915. While in the trenches of the Somme, Frank wrote to his mother, Mary Ann, describing the fear and exhilaration of life on the front line. Frank was nominated for the Distinguished Conduct Medal for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when his commanding officer and platoon sergeant were wounded in action at the Somme. On 31 August 1918, Frank was killed in action in Bouchavesnes-Bergen. His place of rest is unknown, but Frank is commemorated on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial in France as well as on four honour rolls in his home town of Penrith. Today, Remembrance Day, we commemorate the loss of Australians from all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations and we remember the sacrifice and service of those who have served and those who continue to serve our country. Lest we forget.