*Please note- This site search does not include the Vic. & Tas. BMD's, Lots o' Links & Worth a Look Books
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FRANK HENRY DOWNES
ANZAC/GALLIPOLI, BLIND INSTITUTE
1895-1939
Frank Henry Downes was born on Dec.4th 1895 in Brisbane, Queensland, to Henry George Downes & Rachel Jane Hilder. In his teens, he was employed as a sawmiller before joining the Australian Imperial Forces, in August of 1914.
A fresh faced young man, with grey eyes & light brown hair. Serving firstly in the 7th infantry, then the 9th Battalion, which was headed for Gallipoli. On the morning of April 25th 1915, when the Australian troops landed at the Dardenelles, Frank was part of that leading party coming ashore among shrapnel, shell fire & rifle fire, having only rifles to oppose the enemy.
Many men were killed or injured on that fateful morning & while helping the Red cross by carrying a soldier onto the beach, Frank was hit by a bullet which entered his left temple, severing the optic nerve & then came out of the right eye completely destroying it. Now totally blind, he would have to be sent home to Australia.
He reported being looked after splendidly in hospital, before returning home to overwhelming attention by many, including the Governor General & Governors of both N.S.W. & Victoria. At a meeting held at the Sydney Town hall, scores of people were in attendance to honour Pvt. Downes & also another wounded soldier, Lieutenant Sparks, who both returned home to Australia at the same time.
At a subsequent meeting following a Gallipoli slideshow of images, Pvt. Downes spoke again about his experience & also praised the 13 year old midshipman in his boat on the Journey there, telling how his bravery impressed him greatly.
The Sydney Industrial Blind Institution received a Grand Piano as a gift, for the intention of teaching Blind Soldiers the trade of Piano tuning. Frank was the first to take up this opportunity.
On the 16th of June 1917, he married Marjorie Eleanor Irene White & In 1919, two years after his marriage to Marjorie, their home in Mosman, was robbed while they were holidaying. It was reported that 'nearlly everthing portable was taken'.
Frank was President of the 'New South Wales' Blinded Soldier's Association' & despite his disability, he travelled throughout Australia for the cause, making sure that Blind Soldiers in every State were being treated fairly. By 1926, Frank had become a Radio enthusiast, building his own two valve units. Soon after, he met a Woman 8 years his senior, named Elizabeth Traquair. She was wealthy & well travelled & they became romantically involved, so consequently his relationship with Marjorie, began to deteriorate. Eventually, by 1931, Frank was living as a couple with Elizabeth, awaiting a divorce from Marjorie. Frank had promised to marry Elizabeth, when his divorce was finalised.
Miss Traquair was said to be a bit eccentric, but they seemed to get on well with each other. She became pregnant & was unwell in the pregnancy, just prior to delivering a still born baby in April of 1931. Becoming more unstable after the loss of her child, she threatened to drown herself & would say things like "I'd be better off dead". After losing the baby, Frank now wanted her to be medically & emotionally assessed, before he would commit to marriage.
A month after their baby was born in 1931, Elizabeth was found dead, with a pillow over her face, with the verdict of suicide pronounced. Some time after her burial, due to rumours & new statements, questions about her cause of death were raised. Her body was exhumed in July 1931, which was a month after Frank's divorce from Marjorie was granted. No evidence of foul play or violence was found, so the suicide verdict remained.
Miss Traquair had substantial property & Commonwealth bonds & these were to be left to her only surviving relative, her sister Agnes. Elizabeth Changed her Will just prior to her death, leaving Frank a considerable sum of money, so the rumours continued.
After the death of Miss Traquair, Frank married Lucy Estelle Aveline Courtois in 1932 & lived with his new wife, in Norfolk Island. They had one child together, Beverly, who was born in Norfolk Island. Continuing with his interest in Radios & Broadcasting, he kept in touch with the world, by exploring short wave bands.
A later hobby of Frank's, was collecting Military badges & by 1937, had acquired quite a collection.
On August 28th 1939 at the young age of 43 years, Frank Henry Downes died in Sydney, N.S.W., without mention or fuss.
This brave young man, had such a sad ending to his short life. There wasn't anything significant written about him, after his initial attention, on returning home from battle. Only a funeral notice, without any mention of family & no clue as to how he died or who he left behind. He & his 2nd wife Lucy, are recorded on 'Burke's Peerage'.
You have to wonder, just how did this courageous & intelligent young man's life, end so sadly? Was it the effects of War? too much attention? money? or the stress involved following his injuries? We'll never know. None the less, he was a hero who fought for our country, so we can't really judge.
Reference
TROVE Newspapers
A fresh faced young man, with grey eyes & light brown hair. Serving firstly in the 7th infantry, then the 9th Battalion, which was headed for Gallipoli. On the morning of April 25th 1915, when the Australian troops landed at the Dardenelles, Frank was part of that leading party coming ashore among shrapnel, shell fire & rifle fire, having only rifles to oppose the enemy.
Many men were killed or injured on that fateful morning & while helping the Red cross by carrying a soldier onto the beach, Frank was hit by a bullet which entered his left temple, severing the optic nerve & then came out of the right eye completely destroying it. Now totally blind, he would have to be sent home to Australia.
He reported being looked after splendidly in hospital, before returning home to overwhelming attention by many, including the Governor General & Governors of both N.S.W. & Victoria. At a meeting held at the Sydney Town hall, scores of people were in attendance to honour Pvt. Downes & also another wounded soldier, Lieutenant Sparks, who both returned home to Australia at the same time.
At a subsequent meeting following a Gallipoli slideshow of images, Pvt. Downes spoke again about his experience & also praised the 13 year old midshipman in his boat on the Journey there, telling how his bravery impressed him greatly.
The Sydney Industrial Blind Institution received a Grand Piano as a gift, for the intention of teaching Blind Soldiers the trade of Piano tuning. Frank was the first to take up this opportunity.
On the 16th of June 1917, he married Marjorie Eleanor Irene White & In 1919, two years after his marriage to Marjorie, their home in Mosman, was robbed while they were holidaying. It was reported that 'nearlly everthing portable was taken'.
Frank was President of the 'New South Wales' Blinded Soldier's Association' & despite his disability, he travelled throughout Australia for the cause, making sure that Blind Soldiers in every State were being treated fairly. By 1926, Frank had become a Radio enthusiast, building his own two valve units. Soon after, he met a Woman 8 years his senior, named Elizabeth Traquair. She was wealthy & well travelled & they became romantically involved, so consequently his relationship with Marjorie, began to deteriorate. Eventually, by 1931, Frank was living as a couple with Elizabeth, awaiting a divorce from Marjorie. Frank had promised to marry Elizabeth, when his divorce was finalised.
Miss Traquair was said to be a bit eccentric, but they seemed to get on well with each other. She became pregnant & was unwell in the pregnancy, just prior to delivering a still born baby in April of 1931. Becoming more unstable after the loss of her child, she threatened to drown herself & would say things like "I'd be better off dead". After losing the baby, Frank now wanted her to be medically & emotionally assessed, before he would commit to marriage.
A month after their baby was born in 1931, Elizabeth was found dead, with a pillow over her face, with the verdict of suicide pronounced. Some time after her burial, due to rumours & new statements, questions about her cause of death were raised. Her body was exhumed in July 1931, which was a month after Frank's divorce from Marjorie was granted. No evidence of foul play or violence was found, so the suicide verdict remained.
Miss Traquair had substantial property & Commonwealth bonds & these were to be left to her only surviving relative, her sister Agnes. Elizabeth Changed her Will just prior to her death, leaving Frank a considerable sum of money, so the rumours continued.
After the death of Miss Traquair, Frank married Lucy Estelle Aveline Courtois in 1932 & lived with his new wife, in Norfolk Island. They had one child together, Beverly, who was born in Norfolk Island. Continuing with his interest in Radios & Broadcasting, he kept in touch with the world, by exploring short wave bands.
A later hobby of Frank's, was collecting Military badges & by 1937, had acquired quite a collection.
On August 28th 1939 at the young age of 43 years, Frank Henry Downes died in Sydney, N.S.W., without mention or fuss.
This brave young man, had such a sad ending to his short life. There wasn't anything significant written about him, after his initial attention, on returning home from battle. Only a funeral notice, without any mention of family & no clue as to how he died or who he left behind. He & his 2nd wife Lucy, are recorded on 'Burke's Peerage'.
You have to wonder, just how did this courageous & intelligent young man's life, end so sadly? Was it the effects of War? too much attention? money? or the stress involved following his injuries? We'll never know. None the less, he was a hero who fought for our country, so we can't really judge.
Reference
TROVE Newspapers
Service
Landing at Gallipoli ANZAC COVE (Gaba Tepe) 25th April 1915
ANZAC
Australian & New Zealand Army Corps
Australian & New Zealand Army Corps
Above- CHAPLAIN-COLONEL G. E. ROWE AND PRIVATE FRANK DOWNES, the blind soldier from Gallipoli, who will arrive in Brisbane by the Sydney
Express tomorrow (Thursday) night. The Brisbane Courier (Qld.) Wed 25 August 1915
MEN WHO HELPED TO MAKE HISTORY AT
GABA TEPE. A Blind Queenslander. PRIVATE FRANK DOWNES walking down the gangway with his hands resting on the shoulders of the senior chaplain, Colonel Rowe. He was shot through the temple while assisting the Red Cross six hours after landing at Gaba Tepe. The bullet went out through the right eye. He was unconscious for fourteen days and will never see again. "I was about a mile inland when I got hit," he said."Before that I helped to care for about 60 of those seriously wounded. I helped the Red Cross because there was great need for help. I was carrying a man down to the beach when I was shot.'' The brave young Queenslander, declared Colonel Rowe, was "one of the brightest fellows on the boat, and was quite an inspiration to the other chaps, bucking them up if they were a bit down-hearted." A com- rade observed that Private Downes was the idol of all on the ship. He could find his way all over the vessel, and very often recognised friends by his keen sense of touch. The Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Saturday 11 September 1915 |
FRANK HENRY DOWNES
World War 1 Service Service Number: 44 Rank: Private Roll title: 9 Infantry Battalion (September 1914) Conflict / Operation: First World War, 1914-1918 Date of embarkation: 24 September 1914 Place of embarkation: Brisbane Ship embarked on: HMAT Omrah A5 Discharged: 6 Jan 1916 AIF WW1 Date of birth: 1894 Place of birth: Brisbane, Queensland Religion: Methodist Occupation: Saw miller Address: Stuckey Road, Clayfield, Queensland Marital status: Single Age at embarkation: 19 Next of kin: H G Downes, Stuckey Road, Clayfield, Qld Enlistment date: 18 August 1914 Rank on enlistment: Private Unit name: 9th Battalion, Machine Gun Section Embarkation details: Unit embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, on board A5, S.S. Omrah on 24 Sept 1914 Plaque in New South Wales: Garden of Remembrance Other details: Suffered wounds at the Gallipoli landing on 25 April 1915 Date of death: 28 August 1939 Cairns Post (Qld.), Friday 27 August 1915
The Week (Brisbane, Qld. : 1876 - 1934), Friday 3 September 1915
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Below- Returned Soldiers in the Procession.
In the foreground is the car containing Private Downes on the left and Chaplain-colonel Rowe on the right
In the foreground is the car containing Private Downes on the left and Chaplain-colonel Rowe on the right
Below- PRIVATE FRANK DOWNES (right) walking with senior chaplain, Colonel Rowe.
Below- " Just the Thing ! "The soldiers were served by a committee of ladies with tea, coffee, and other refreshments on leaving the boats. "That cup of coffee was just the thing,'' gratefully declared one of the wounded as he motored off.
The Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Saturday 11 September 1915
The National Archives holds records about service in the Australian defence forces from Federation in 1901. Search-
http://www.naa.gov.au/collection/explore/defence/service-records/ |
Funeral procession of Rev. G. E. Rowe, Brisbane, 1926
George Edwards Rowe (1858-1926)
The Morning Bulletin, Thursday 28 October 1926
(Rockhampton, Queensland)
BRISBANE, October 27
The Rev. Dr. G. E. Rowe, superintendent minister of the Albert-street Methodist church, died suddenly tonight. Dr. Rowe had been attending the Methodist Synod at Nundah and subsequently made a call on a sick parishoner. After leaving the home of this resident he complained of being very unwell and was conveyed by a friend back to the parishioner’s residence, where he died shortly afterwards. Deceased was 67 and was born in Cornwall. (by Bob Bolitho)
(Rockhampton, Queensland)
BRISBANE, October 27
The Rev. Dr. G. E. Rowe, superintendent minister of the Albert-street Methodist church, died suddenly tonight. Dr. Rowe had been attending the Methodist Synod at Nundah and subsequently made a call on a sick parishoner. After leaving the home of this resident he complained of being very unwell and was conveyed by a friend back to the parishioner’s residence, where he died shortly afterwards. Deceased was 67 and was born in Cornwall. (by Bob Bolitho)
Blinded Soldiers
The Brisbane Courier (Qld.), Mon 13 Dec 1915
The Methodist (Sydney, NSW) Sat 25 Sep 1915
The Blind have a more acute sense of hearing & some can be well suited for tuning Pianos
The Sun (N.S.W.) Sun 7 Nov 1915
The Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 - 1950), Wednesday 4 January 1922
Queanbeyan-Canberra Advocate (NSW : 1905 - 1927), Thursday 13 May 1926
Lantern Slide - Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, Classroom, circa 1900
http://collections.museumvictoria.com.au/items Royal Institute for the Blind Sydney- History
http://www.ridbc.org.au/history Where to locate records for the Blind, Deaf and Dumb Institutes of Australia
https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/search/#/ |
An Interesting & Informative Article written by Frank Downes, on the Tricks & Traps of being Blind
The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate (Parramatta, NSW), Monday 23 May 1932
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List of businesses in breach of Paragraph (2) of the War Precautions (Supplementary) Regulation 1916 This regulation prohibited using the word 'Anzac' in connection with a ‘trade, business, calling or profession’. Because it was part of the Defence Act Sydney Industrial Blind Institute- Despite the employment of a number of blind soldiers, the Blind Institute was refused permission to retain the name ‘Anzac’, on the building wing that housed them. Correspondence concerning the issue explains that the original regulation relating to using the word ‘Anzac’ was amended to prohibit the unauthorized use of the word ‘Anzac’ as the name or part of the same of any charitable or other institution, or any building in connection therewith. (Statutory Rules 1916, No. 255). Under that provision, the application from the Sydney Industrial Blind Institute was refused. http://www.gallipoli.gov.au/anzac-a-national-heir |
From Queensland, where Frank was born-
Brisbane's vision impaired are now among the most independently mobile in the country, thanks to the extension of the city's Braille Trail. Brisbane City Council has completed a connection of the trail between Queen Street Mall and Post Office Square, meaning the city's vision impaired now have 1.6 kilometres of continuous pathway with which to guide themselves around the city. “By making this 85-metre connection from Queen Street Mall to Post Office Square, we are joining the dots-and-dashes for the vision impaired, helping them to confidently and independently navigate the CBD,” Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said. “At about 1.6 kilometres in length, the Brisbane CBD braille trail network through Queen Street mall, Albert Street, Reddacliff Place and King George Square is the longest continuous braille trail in Australia.”A braille trail is a pathway of paving with dot and dash patterns that is followed by a vision-impaired person, using a cane. Ridges indicate the direction of travel along the trail and raised dots are used as warnings.
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/brisbane-braille-trail-extended-through-cbd-20131017
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/brisbane-braille-trail-extended-through-cbd-20131017
Troubled Life
Tabletalk Sunday Times N.S.W. Sat 7 Apr 1917
Frank Henry Downes, Married Marjory Eleanor Irene White on June 16th 1917 in Singleton N.S.W.
The Inverell Times (NSW) Fri 22 Jun 1917 |
Always being referred to as 'The Blind Soldier' would have changed how he viewed himself
Being Blind didn't seem to hold Frank back at all, he visited Lord Howe Island, where he may have had family there?, as there are a family of Downes from Lord Howe Island. On his return, the marriage between Eleanor (Marjory) & Frank, was headed for the divorce court.
Mary Wade to Us : A Family History 1778-1986
There are Downes' mentioned in this quite comprehensive family tree booklet, with Norfolk Island connections. Available to read online. http://ro.uow.edu.au/hcp/3/ Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) , Friday 17 October 1930
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Before the divorce was finalised (it's unknown if there were any children out of the marriage) Frank started living with a very wealthy spinster by the name of Elizabeth Traquair, who was almost 10 years older than Frank
Miss Traquair had become pregnant with Frank's child & gave birth to a still born
just prior to her death. Elizabeth's sister paid for the body to be exhumed
so that further investigations could take place.
just prior to her death. Elizabeth's sister paid for the body to be exhumed
so that further investigations could take place.
The Syd Morning Herald (NSW), Thur 4 June 1931
The Mail (Adelaide, SA), Saturday 20 June 1931
Divorce and Matrimonial Cause Case Papers
http://search.records.nsw.gov.au/items/354294 The Dubbo Liberal and Macquarie Advocate (NSW)
Thursday 25 June 1931 Central Queensland Herald (Rockhampton, Qld) Thursday 16 July 1931
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The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW)
Tuesday 14 July 1931 The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW) Wed 29 Jul 1931
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Frank married Lucy Estelle Aveline Courtois in 1932 & lived with his new wife
in Norfolk Island. They had one child together.
in Norfolk Island. They had one child together.
Daily Standard (Brisbane, Qld), Mon 26 March 1934
Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton, Qld. : 1878 - 1954), Tuesday 23 March 1937
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His 'No Fuss' Death
The Sydney Morning Herald Tuesday 29 August 1939
Although hard to read- The Memorial of
Pte Frank Henry DOWNES Norfolk Island Memorial park Memorial Inscriptions
http://www.chapelhill.homeip.net/FamilyHistory Probate packets Series Number:
http://search.records.nsw.gov.au/items/642483 NSW Deaths (1788-1975)
https://familyhistory.bdm.nsw.gov.au/lifelink/family Norfolk Island GenWeb Project
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ausnorfo/ |
Lord Howe Island
Lord Howe Island. Who even knew it was there?
Lord Howe Island History
Lord Howe Island is an irregularly crescent-shaped volcanic remnant in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand, 600 kilometres directly east of mainland Port Macquarie, and about 900 kilometres south-west of Norfolk Island. named the island Lord Howe Island 1788 after Earl Richard Howe, First Lord of the Admiralty.The island was first settled in 1834 when three couples arrived from New Zealand. http://www.lhimuseum.com/page/view/history/early EARLY SETTLERS (1833-1880) Lord Howe Island
http://www.lordhoweisland.info/library/early_settl |
Lord Howe Island boasts four unique palm species. One of these lowland palms, Howea forsteriana, has found extraordinary favour with nurserymen worldwide. Not only is it an attractive palm, but it survives indoors in the temperate climate of Europe better than other tropical palms. Commencing around 1870, the Howea palm quickly became the doyen of indoor palms, gracing parlours, drawing rooms, ballrooms and hotel lobbies around the world. Nurserymen from Australia, America, England and various European countries eagerly sought its seed. They called it the Kentia Palm.
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Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island Prison Barracks
Norfolk Island
Has had three distinct periods of settlement. The first two were penal settlements, 1788-1814 and 1825-1853. The third period begins after 1856. On 12 February 1788 Phillip Gidley King was appointed Superintendent and Commandant of the settlement at Norfolk Island. King landed at Norfolk Island with soldiers, convicts & supplies, 5 March 1788. More people were sent to relieve the strain on the mainland where food was scarce.
Has had three distinct periods of settlement. The first two were penal settlements, 1788-1814 and 1825-1853. The third period begins after 1856. On 12 February 1788 Phillip Gidley King was appointed Superintendent and Commandant of the settlement at Norfolk Island. King landed at Norfolk Island with soldiers, convicts & supplies, 5 March 1788. More people were sent to relieve the strain on the mainland where food was scarce.
As well as being a penal establishment, one of the primary reasons for establishing the first settlement at Norfolk Island was economic. Norfolk Island, which had formed part of NSW and then Tasmania became a distinct settlement of the British Crown, under the administration of the Governor of New South Wales. On July 1, 1914 Norfolk Island became an Australian Territory under the Commonwealth government.
https://www.records.nsw.gov.au/state-archives/guides-and-finding-aids/archives-in-brief/archives-in-brief-122
https://www.records.nsw.gov.au/state-archives/guides-and-finding-aids/archives-in-brief/archives-in-brief-122
Soldiers
Ada Reeve (1874-1966)
Real Name- Adelaide Mary Isaacs
Child star - first public performance at the age of four years in the pantomime Red Riding Hood at the Pavilion Theatre Whitechapel, London (Boxing Day 1878). Musical comedy star considered a headliner in vaudeville. In her later years she became a character actor in films and on the stage.
http://www.stagebeauty.net/th-frames.html?http&&&www.stagebeauty.net/reeve/reeve-a.html
Real Name- Adelaide Mary Isaacs
Child star - first public performance at the age of four years in the pantomime Red Riding Hood at the Pavilion Theatre Whitechapel, London (Boxing Day 1878). Musical comedy star considered a headliner in vaudeville. In her later years she became a character actor in films and on the stage.
http://www.stagebeauty.net/th-frames.html?http&&&www.stagebeauty.net/reeve/reeve-a.html
Sunday Times (N.S.W.) Sunday 17 June 1917
Daily Examiner (Grafton, NSW)
Tuesday 3 July 1917 Albury Banner and Wodonga Express (NSW), Friday 26 October 1917
read more...... http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1 |
Gaiety and Music Hall star Ada Reeve in a rare early talkie short of 1932 4:29
Arrow (Sydney, NSW), Saturday 23 June 1917
Bendigonian (Bendigo,Victoria) Thur 29 March 1917
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