Curnow, Herbert Franklin (Captain, b.1893 - d.1916)

Collection relating to Captain Herbert Franklin Curnow, 22 Battalion, Gallipoli and France, 1915-1916. Collection consists of five letters written by Curnow to his friend and former colleague in the Department of Defence Records Section, Mr Frank Cummings. The letters cover topics such as: the issue of uniforms; fundraising for sports; battalion strength; deaths on board HMAT Ulysses; the journey from Alexandria to Cairo and his work gathering up men from the bars, cafes and brothels so that they are not listed as absent; the policy of taking prisoners on Gallipoli; the progress of the war; the defence work done in Egypt; colleagues and friends; the painting of his portrait by Pte Crozier on a cigar box lid; routine duties; style of warfare; scarcity of writing paper; the voyage to France. Also included is one telegram reporting on the Northern Russian Forces in Wilna and progress of the war elsewhere.

Biographical note: Captain, 22nd Bn. Killed in action at Pozieres, 5 August 1916. Public servant (Clerk, Dept of Defence Records Department); formerly a State School teacher; of Bendigo, VIC; born Kangaroo Flat, VIC; educated at Kangaroo Flat State School and Bendigo Continuation School; age at time of death, 23 years 7 months. Had been a volunteer in the militia infantry, having risen from Private to Colour Sergeant in 3 years and then commissioned. Attended Duntroon Military College.

• Letters from Herbert Franklin Curnow to Frank Cummings, 1915-1916