British War Medal 1914-20 : Lance Corporal F R Symons, 17 Battalion AIF

British War Medal 1914-20. Impressed around edge with recipient's details.

Frank Robert Symons was born at Alexandria, Sydney, in 1895. He trained as a wood turner after completing his education, and was also a member of the militia. As a 19 year old, he enlisted in the AIF in July 1915, becoming Private 2287 in 17 Infantry Battalion. Although he sailed with the 4th reinforcements in September 1915, Symons did not join his unit until January 1916, in Egypt after the evacuation of Gallipoli. He travelled with the battalion to France later the same year, and saw action on the Somme. On 15 April 1917, the Germans launched a counter-attack at Lagnicourt against the Australian forces advancing towards the Hindenburg Line. 17 Battalion, holding the line in front of the town of Noreuil, was one of the units heavily involved in this action, and suffered 181 casualties during the day. Frank Symons, now a lance corporal, was among those killed. His body was not recovered, and he is commemorated on the Australian National Memorial at Villers Bretonneux, France.