The Last Post Ceremony commemorating the service of (2131) Private Francis Albert Torbitt, 29th Battalion, AIF, 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 Richard Cruise, the story for this day was on (2131) Private Francis Albert Torbitt, 29th Battalion, AIF, First World War.

2131 Private Francis Albert Torbitt, 29th Battalion, AIF
KIA 19 July 1916
Photograph: DA13475

Story delivered 9 February 2016

Today we remember and pay tribute to Private Francis Albert Torbitt.

Frank Torbitt was born in Richmond, Victoria, to Charles and Annie Torbitt. He grew up there and attended the Central State School. He was a keen sportsman, and became the captain of the local Malleson Cricket Club. However, he was better known as a distance runner, and was a prominent member of the St Stephens’ Harriers Athletics Club with his brother, Ted.

In July 1915 Frank and Ted went together to enlist in the Australian Imperial Force. Frank was just over 18 at the time, but his father gave his consent because his son was so “anxious to enlist to fight for his country”. The brothers passed the required tests, and were given consecutive service numbers. Both were posted to the 29th Battalion.

Throughout his training Frank continued to compete in athletics competitions. He competed in the Military Marathon from Broadmeadows Camp to the Melbourne Cricket Ground, leading for most of the race and eventually placing third. When he arrived in Egypt for further military training, he continued to participate in battalion and inter-battalion competitions, winning several half-mile races.

In July 1916 the 29th Battalion arrived on the Western Front. Within days they were committed to battle near the French village of Fromelles. The battalion was not part of the first attack, but during the night its companies were drawn into the battle to support other battalions, and later to meet a strong German counter-attack. At some point during the night Ted Torbitt was wounded, and would serve the rest of the war in the pay corps. His brother Frank was killed in action.

Little is known of the manner of Private Frank Torbitt’s death. His body was recovered and buried nearby. After the war his remains were
moved to Rue Petillon Military Cemetery, where they lie today. His headstone reads: “Love and remembrance live forever.” In Australia the Torbitt family put a notification of Frank’s death in the newspapers, with the words “Our Darling Boy: Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” Frank Torbitt was 19 years old.

His name is listed on the Roll of Honour on my right, among more than 60,000 Australians who died while serving in the First World War. His photograph is displayed today beside the Pool of Reflection.

This is but one of the many stories of service and sacrifice told here at the Australian War Memorial. We now remember Private Francis Albert Torbitt, who gave his life for us, for our freedoms, and in the hope of a better world.

Dr Meleah Hampton
Historian, Military History Section