The Last Post Ceremony commemorating the service of (2799) Private Francis Charles Titus, 24th Battalion, First World War

The Last Post Ceremony is presented in the Commemorative area of the Australian War Memorial each day. The ceremony commemorates more than 102,000 Australians who have given their lives in war and other operations and whose names are recorded on the Roll of Honour. At each ceremony the story behind one of the names on the Roll of Honour is told. Hosted by Craig Berelle, the story for this day was on (2799) Private Francis Charles Titus, 24th Battalion, First World War.

2799 Private Francis Charles Titus, 24th Battalion
KIA 5 October 1918
No photograph in collection

Story delivered 17 February 2014

Today we remember and pay tribute to Private Francis "Frank" Titus.

Frank Titus was born in Maldon, Victoria, in 1893, the fourth son of Thomas and Ellen Titus. He served for three years in the voluntary cadets in Maldon and worked as a grocer. Frank was married to Mabel Titus and living in Clifton Hill, Victoria, before he enlisted.

Frank Titus enlisted in the Australian Imperial Forces in August 1915. After a period of training in Australia, he left for service overseas in October 1915 with reinforcements for the 24th Battalion.

Titus was not known for his military discipline. Whether he began to feel the restriction of military life or was simply curious to see England, he was charged with going absent without leave a number of times. While most of his excursions were of short duration, he was twice court-martialled for more serious matters and spent a number of months in confinement, as well as forfeiting quite a bit of his pay in punishment. Between his trouble with authorities and several hospitalisations for illness, Titus did not spend any prolonged amount of time in his battalion until June, 1918. Once back with the 24th, however, his discipline improved, and he remained with his unit throughout the 1918 offensives.

On 5 October 1918 Titus was with A Company when it began its attack on Montbrehain, the last infantry battle of the AIF on the Western Front. Reports from his comrades vary somewhat, but they all agree that Titus was advancing with A Company to attack the village when he was hit by small arms or shrapnel fire and died instantly. Frank Titus is buried in Tincourt New British Cemetery, France. He left a wife and two small children.

Frank's brother Hugh enlisted in 1916 at the age of 18 and was serving in the 50th Battalion AIF when he was killed in action on 11 October, 1917. Another brother, Thomas, enlisted in 1918 and survived the war.

Frank Titus's name is listed on the Roll of Honour on my right, along with more than 60,000 others from the First World War. There is no photograph in the Memorial's collection to display beside the Pool of Reflection.

This is but one of the many stories of courage and sacrifice told here at the Australian War Memorial. We now remember Private Francis Charles Titus, and all of those Australians who have given their lives in the service of our nation.