FAMILY LIFE

Frederick Garnet Farlow was born on 5^th August 1885 in Maclean, son of Charles & Julie Farlow. Shortly before his deployment, he married Margaret Gertrude Considine on 5 June 1915 in Queensland. Frederick had 2 brothers who also enlisted- Harold & Merton

APPLICATION

Frederick was a recently married farmer, eager to do his bit. He travelled to Cairns on 13^th January 1915 to complete his application which showed his next of kin as his wife, Margaret, of Stokers Siding. His medical showed he was 28 years 4 months old, 5ft 9 inches tall (1.75m), weighed 12 stone 2 lbs (77kgs), with a fair complexion, blue eyes & sandy hair.

His eyesight was good. The Examining Medical Officer stated that Frederick “can see the required distance with either eye; his heart and lungs are healthy; he has the free use of his joints; and he declares he is not subject to fits of any description. I consider him fit for active service.” 

On the second page of the Attestation Paper, he made the following oath in the presence of the Attesting Officer: “I, Frederick Garnet Farlow swear that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lord the King in the Australian Imperial Force until the end of the War … SO HELP ME, GOD.” 

He was Church of England and had a small mole on the inner edge of his right collar bone.  He was enlisted as a private into the 11th Light Horse Regiment (Qld / SA) with service No 227

TRAINING AT RIFLE RANGE CAMP, ENOGGERA

As was the case with men from the Northern Rivers district in New South Wales, they trained at Rifle Range Camp, Enoggera near Brisbane. The Barracks Block was built as accommodation for men in two dormitories, each 36 feet by 22 feet (10.97 x 6.7 metres). Beds or bunks were not provided, instead each man slept on a palliasse with ground sheet on the floor. For many it was their first time away from home. Men from every walk of life, from clerks and teachers to factory and shop workers, were crammed together

Now training for the new recruits began. Firstly, the men received their vaccinations for smallpox, rabies & plague, then a recruit had to be inducted into military forms of discipline, command, and order. This was partially achieved through a program of basic training carried and, in a sense, was maintained for a long as a man was in the service. It involved marching and drilling with the rifle, cleaning and caring for personal equipment and being supervised and inspected in ways quite different to ordinary civilian life. For example, no boots should be allowed to get in a bad state of wear but must be sent to the bootmaker without delay for repair. Men who were found with hair long and unshaven had to have a haircut and shave

Secondly, after basic training there followed the far more serious exercise of turning a man into a fighting soldier at least partially prepared for the kind of warfare he was about to experience overseas. The topics and exercises in the syllabus of training were a world away from their former lives and included daily physical training, entrenching, wiring, firing rifle grenades, firing the Lewis light machine gun, dealing with gas attack, using hand grenades, using the bayonet, and the routines to be followed in the trenches.

This training was then put into practice during what were called ‘Field Days,’ when men would practice using the skills they had acquired in mock attacks both by day and by night. How well men had learnt to use their weapons, in cooperation with each other in training, would be tested in the harsh reality of the front line. Training would take several months

The recruits were issued with their uniform: a khaki woollen jacket, heavy cord breeches and the famous slouch hat – turned up on the left and featuring a plain khaki band, chinstrap and “rising sun” badge. A soldier’s equipment also included a dixie (mess tin), water bottle, mug, .303 Lee-Enfield rifle and bayonet.

PROMOTION TO CORPORAL MARCH 1915

While in the camp Frederick was promoted to Corporal on 29^th March 1915

PROMOTION TO SERGEANT APRIL 1915

On 15^th April he was further promoted to Sergeant

VOYAGE OVERSEAS

On the 2^nd June 1915, the recruits left Brisbane, sailing upon the HMAT Borda. The epic voyage across the ocean has been described as “the longest journey to war in the history of the world.” They thought it was the start of a new adventure- for many it was their first time so far away from home. However, after some time at sea the biggest problem turned out to be boredom. On-board, Officers organised rigorous training drills and exercise sessions for the men. They were expected to do their own washing, sweep the decks and carry out other chores

Attempts at breaking up the boredom, apart from the regular drill, varied. Shipboard activities included regular church parades and concerts. Troops engaged in lifebelt drill; a cookhouse on deck; soldiers on fatigues peeling potatoes 'spud bashing'; going to the dentist; barber, pay day; soldiers cleaning personal equipment; medical inspection. Sports and recreation included boxing, deck quoits, draughts. Also, the commanding officer's morning inspection; kit inspections; submarine drill; recreation such as the on deck 'open air' library, deck billiards, pillow fighting and card games including Nap. As well, conditions on the ships were cramped and the risk of illness was constant. 

Three hearty meals a day were served; breakfast usually consisted of porridge, stew, and tea. Lunch included soup, meat, vegetables, and pudding. Meat, bread with jam and tea was served for dinner. Many of the troops experienced bouts of seasickness on the voyage. The crossing the Equator ceremony, ‘Neptune’s Journey,’ was played-out on each troopship.

EGYPTIAN TRAINING CAMP

They disembarked at Alexandria on 25^th August 1915. They had already completed their basic training in Australia but over many more tough months, in the Egyptian training camp, the volunteers left their old lives farther behind. They began their training with physical fitness exercises, they were taught individual and unit discipline, how to follow commands, how to march, some basic field skills and how to safely handle his weapons. 

Training would be for eight hours a day six days a week. All day long, in every valley of the Sahara for miles around the Pyramids of Giza were groups or lines of men advancing, retiring, drilling or squatted near their piled arms listening to their officer. For many of the battalions many miles of desert had to be covered in the morning and evening to and from their allotted training areas. At first, to harden the troops, they wore full kit with heavy packs. Their backs became drenched with perspiration, and the bitter desert wind blew on them as they camped for their midday meal and many deaths from pneumonia were attributed to this cause.

TRANSFER TO 5^TH LIGHT HORSE AUGUST 1915

During this training Frederick was transferred to the 5^th Light Horse Regiment on 29^th August 1915

5^TH LIGHT HORSE REGIMENT GALLIPOLI

Between August 1915 and February 1916, the 5th Light Horse Regiment of the Australian Imperial Force was actively engaged in combat and defensive operations at Gallipoli. Although the Light Horse Regiments were originally intended for mounted warfare, the terrain and tactical situation at Gallipoli forced them to fight dismounted as infantry. Between major offensives, the regiment was involved in holding trenches, patrolling no-man’s land, digging saps, and maintaining defensive positions.

EVACUATION FROM GALLIPOLI (20 DECEMBER 1915)
The 5th Light Horse Regiment was among the last units to leave Anzac Cove during the well-executed Allied withdrawal. After Gallipoli, the regiment returned to Heliopolis and Maadi camps near Cairo, where it underwent rest, reinforcement, and reorganization. By early 1916, the 5th Light Horse began preparing for operations against the Senussi in western Egypt and the Ottoman forces in the Sinai and Palestine campaigns.

REJOINED 11^TH LIGHT HORSE FEBRUARY 1916

He rejoined the 11^th Light Horse on 22^nd February 1916 at Heliopolis

FEBRUARY TO JULY 1916

Between February and July 1916, the 11th Light Horse Regiment was involved in garrison and defensive duties in Egypt. The regiment was stationed in the Canal Defences in Egypt, particularly around Serapeum and Romani. Their role was to patrol and guard against Ottoman advances from the Sinai Desert, which threatened the Suez Canal—a vital Allied strategic asset.

Extensive training was conducted to transition from dismounted infantry back to cavalry operations in desert warfare. Routine reconnaissance patrols, outpost duties, and mobile desert operations were carried out to monitor enemy activity and maintain security along the canal zone.

PROMOTED TO SQUAD SERGEANT MAJOR TEMPORARY APRIL 1916

Frederick was promoted to Squad Sergeant Major, temporary on 2nd April 1916. Squad Sergeant Major was a type of senior non-commissioned officer. He was responsible for maintaining discipline among the squad, drill, and ceremonial duties, passing on orders from commissioned officers and supervising training and ensuring standards.

SQUAD SERGEANT MAJOR CONFIRMED July 1916

On 6^th July 1916 he was confirmed win the role

PROMOTION TO LEIUTENANT JULY 1916

Frederick was promoted to lieutenant on 29^th July 1916

AUGUST TO NOVEMBER 1916

The 11th Light Horse was stationed east of the Suez Canal, near Romani in the Sinai Desert. All the troops were preparing for a large-scale Turkish advance.

BATTLE OF ROMANI 4^TH & 5^TH AUGUST 1916

The Battle of Romani was the first major victory for Allied forces in the Sinai-Palestine Campaign. Although the 11th Light Horse was held in reserve for much of the initial fighting, they played a crucial pursuit role after the Ottoman attack was repelled. Following the battle, they joined the mounted pursuit of retreating Ottoman forces across the northern Sinai desert.

ENGAGEMENTS AT BIR EL ABD & SALMANA AUGUST 1916

After the Ottoman defeat at Romani, their forces began retreating eastward across the Sinai Desert. The ANZAC Mounted Division, including the 11th Light Horse Regiment (part of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade), pursued them. The Ottoman rearguard established a strong defensive position at Bir el Abd, about 30 km east of Romani.

On 9 August, the 3rd Light Horse Brigade, including the 11th LHR, was heavily engaged in an attempted flanking attack on the Ottoman positions. The 11th LHR fought on the right flank of the attacking force. They advanced under heavy rifle and machine gun fire, often dismounted, as mounted charges were ineffective against entrenched positions. The terrain (sandy ridges and sparse cover) and the strength of the Ottoman defences made the advance extremely difficult.

The assault at Bir el Abd ultimately failed to dislodge the Ottoman force. The ANZACs, including the 11th Light Horse, were forced to withdraw, suffering notable casualties. Despite the tactical setback, the continued pressure helped compel the Ottomans to resume their retreat.

SKIRMISH AT SALMANA – 12 AUGUST 1916

The Ottoman force continued withdrawing eastward after Bir el Abd.

The retreating army paused again near Salmana, another 15 km east.

ANZAC mounted patrols, including the 11th Light Horse, maintained contact with the enemy during this phase.

The 11th LHR was involved in reconnaissance and skirmishing during this phase of the pursuit.  At Salmana, they conducted harassment operations—probing Ottoman positions, raiding outposts, and scouting the terrain. There was no full-scale battle at Salmana like at Bir el Abd, but the regiment played an important role in pressuring the rear of the Ottoman column and gathering intelligence.

AUGUST TO NOVEMBER 1916

After Bir el Abd and Salmana, the Ottoman forces continued retreating east toward El Arish. The 11th Light Horse Regiment (11th LHR) remained part of the ANZAC Mounted Division (3rd Light Horse Brigade) and conducted reconnaissance and pursuit patrols in the northern Sinai. They engaged in rear-guard skirmishes, keeping pressure on the retreating Turkish forces and helped secure forward positions to prevent another Ottoman counterattack.

There were no major battles in this period, but it was crucial for securing the Sinai Desert through continuous patrolling and raids & guarding the extension of the British railhead and water pipeline, which supported the advancing army. They established and manned advanced outposts, including areas near Katia and El Mazar & fought small tribal and Turkish raiding parties, often in hit-and-run desert engagements. The 11th LHR frequently moved between advanced bivouacs, escorting supply columns and protecting engineers and construction units.

By November, the British were preparing for a major push to El Arish and beyond. The 11th LHR advanced eastward with the rest of the Desert Column toward Ottoman positions near Magdhaba and El Arish. They conducted long-range desert patrols and recon missions, often riding through harsh, dry terrain for days and supported the growing logistical tail of the advancing British army. Their role became increasingly focused on strategic reconnaissance and preparing for the Battle of Magdhaba, which occurred in December.

SCHOOL OF INSTRUCTION ZEITOUN 24^TH NOVEMBER 1916

Frederick attended the School of Instruction in Zeitoun on 24^th November 1916. The School of Instruction at Zeitoun during World War I was a training establishment for the Australian Imperial Force, located near Cairo, Egypt. It played a vital role in preparing officers and non-commissioned officers (NCOs)—particularly for the mounted units, including the Light Horse Regiments. It was designed to train newly promoted officers and NCOs, particularly from Light Horse regiments.

It provided specialist instruction in mounted infantry tactics, musketry (rifle shooting and small arms handling), signalling, map reading and field sketching, military law and discipline & drill and command. He rejoined his unit on 20^th December 1916

THE BATTLE OF MAGDHABA 23 DECEMBER 1916

The Battle of Magdhaba was the first major offensive victory by British Empire forces (including Australian light horse) east of the Suez Canal in the Sinai and Palestine Campaign. The 11th Light Horse Regiment played an active and important role in the battle as part of the ANZAC Mounted Division.

The 11th LHR Conducted a wide enveloping maneuver through rough desert terrain to cut off the Turkish line of retreat and engaged in dismounted combat, advancing on foot with rifles, as the terrain and enemy fortifications made mounted attack impractical. They faced strong resistance from Turkish trenches and rifle fire.

The 11th Light Horse proved the high mobility and endurance in extreme desert conditions & effectiveness in dismounted infantry-style tactics.

They showed their ability to execute complex flanking and enveloping manoeuvres and played a key role in tightening the encirclement, helping to isolate Turkish redoubts

JANUARY TO APRIL 1917

Between January and April 1917, the Australian Light Horse Regiments, including the 11th Light Horse Regiment, were heavily engaged in the Sinai and Palestine Campaign. This period marked a shift from fighting in the Sinai Desert to advancing into southern Palestine, culminating in the First and Second Battles of Gaza.

THE BATTLE OF RAFAH 9 JANUARY 1917

The 11th Light Horse Regiment, as part of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade, took part in the Battle of Rafah, the final action in the British push across the Sinai. Their role involved flanking manoeuvres against Ottoman defensive positions, dismounted combat in sandy terrain & supporting the encirclement and capture of the Ottoman garrison. The battle was won and cleared the way into southern Palestine

ADVANCE INTO PALESTINE FEBRUARY 1917

The 11th Light Horse participated in reconnaissance missions deep into southern Palestine, including around Khan Yunis and Deir el Belah, establishing forward posts, and maintaining security for the British advance and screening the infantry’s movements and scouting Ottoman positions near Gaza. The British now prepared to capture Gaza, seen as the gateway to Jerusalem.

MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES MARCH 1917

Frederick was mentioned in General Murray’s despatches of 1^st March 1917 and as a result was awarded the Military Cross in July

FIRST BATTLE OF GAZA 26–27 MARCH

The 11th LHR was engaged in the First Battle of Gaza as part of the Desert Column under General Philip Chetwode. Their tasks included encircling Gaza from the east and northeast & cutting off retreat routes for Ottoman forces. They also engaged in dismounted combat under intense fire. Despite early success, confused communication and poor visibility led to a British withdrawal just as victory seemed possible. This battle was a tactical failure; Gaza remained in Ottoman hands.

SECOND BATTLE OF GAZA 17–19 APRIL

The 11th Light Horse took part in the Second Battle of Gaza, which involved frontal attacks in coordination with British infantry and artillery & attempting to breach the well-fortified Turkish defensive line. They faced heavy casualties due to strong Ottoman resistance and entrenched machine gun positions and the result was another defeat, with significant Allied losses. The Turks retained Gaza, and the campaign stalled.

WOUNDED IN ACTION GAZA APRIL 1917

One of the casualties of the battle was Fred, who on, 17^th April, was wounded in action with a machine gun bullet entering his right heel & between his 2^nd & 3^rd toe, damaging his ankle & right knee. He was admitted to the 14^th Australian General Hospital.

CONVALESCENCE

After surgery & rest the wounds healed by 5^th May, with only slight disability. He was marched into 1^st Syrian Convalescent camp. Here he would convalesce but continue with drilling & training as the technology and techniques were rapidly changing and soldiers had to be up to date when they were ready to rejoin their units. This ensured they did not lose their sharpness for battle and that a unit’s cohesiveness was retrained.

AWARDED MILITARY CROSS 5^TH JUNE 1917

On 5^th June 1917 Fred was awarded the Military Cross. This was a British military decoration established during World War I, awarded to commissioned officers for acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy. The award was published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No 160 of 4^th October 1917

TAKEN ON STRENGTH AUGUST 1917

Frederick was taken on strength on 10^th August but was in the rest camp again on 1^st September

HOSPITALISED ABSCESS DCEMBER 1917

On 24^th December 1917 he was admitted to hospital with an abscess. An abscess is a localized collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection, typically resulting from tissue damage, a foreign body (like a splinter), or poor hygiene. It presents as a swollen, red, painful lump, often warm to the touch. In WWI, treatment options were limited compared to modern medicine, as antibiotics (like penicillin) were not yet available. The mainstay of treatment was surgical drainage and antisepsis. He returned to duty on 12^th January 1918

JANUARY–FEBRUARY 1918: HOLDING THE LINE

The 11th LHR moved into the Jordan Valley, a hot, disease-ridden, and strategically sensitive area. Their main tasks included patrolling and reconnaissance along the Jordan River & building and maintaining defensive positions. It also included guarding fords and crossing points, especially at Ghoraniyeh & managing skirmishes with Ottoman patrols and Bedouin raiders. The valley was harsh, with malaria, flies, and limited water posing serious threats. The extreme terrain and heat caused significant strain on men and horses.

MARCH 1918: FIRST TRANSJORDAN RAID (AMMAN RAID)

From 21 March to 2 April, the 11th Light Horse took part in a major operation to cross the Jordan River & advance on Es Salt and Amman, aiming to cut the Hejaz Railway. They crossed at the Ghoraniyeh crossing under fire, fought through rough mountain terrain, reached the area near Amman by early April & engaged in dismounted fighting around the town. The raid failed to capture Amman or cut the railway. The Allied force withdrew under pressure, having sustained heavy casualties and worn-out mounts

APRIL 1918: WITHDRAWAL & REFIT

The regiment withdrew to the Jordan Valley and held the Ghoraniyeh Bridgehead. They spent time resting, refitting, and replacing lost horses, evacuating sick soldiers due to malaria, and dysentery & preparing for future operations

SCHOOL OF INSTRUCTIN ZEITOUN APRIL 1918

Frederick went back to the school on 5^th April and returned to duty on 4^th May 1918

JUNE TO AUGUST 1918 – HOLDING THE JORDAN VALLEY

The regiment returned to the Jordan Valley after the second Transjordan Raid, which took place when Frederick was at the school. In June, their role was to hold and defend the Ghoraniyeh sector. They conducted daily patrols, maintained outposts, monitored Ottoman movements, and faced constant artillery harassment and sniper fire. The soldiers suffered heavily from malaria, heat exhaustion, and dysentery. Horses were also affected by the intense summer heat, poor water, and overwork. One trooper recalled it as “a hell of flies, fever, and filth.” Many men became non-battle casualties due to illness.

SEPTEMBER 1918 – FINAL OFFENSIVE & BATTLE OF SAMAKH, PALESTINE

In Mid-September the British and allied forces launched the Megiddo Offensive to break the Turkish lines. 11th LHR was part of the Desert Mounted Corps that swept north through the Jezreel Valley. On 25th September the 11th LHR fought in the Battle of Samakh, a fortified town near the Sea of Galilee, which was a key Turkish rearguard position.

The regiment charged under heavy fire, fought house-to-house after entering. Casualties were high; this was one of the last mounted bayonet charges of WWI.

KILLED IN ACTION

One of the casualties of this battle was Frederick who was killed in action with a gunshot wound right hip

FOR HIS SERVICE

For his service, Frederick was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal and his name is recorded on the Atherton War Memorial, Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Maclean Public School Roll of Honour, Malanda & Taloumbi District First World War Roll of Honor

His name is recorded on the Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial Number 8 among almost 62,000 Australians who died while serving in the First World War.

BURIAL

Frederick is buried at Haifa War Cemetery, Row B, Grave no.60
Frederick ’s effects were returned to his wife on 20^th January 1919. It consisted of one black steel trunk containing 1 British warm, 1 pr top boots, 1 mirror, 1 fly switch, 1 prismatic compass in case, 1 camera in case, 1 pr boots, 1 pr field glasses in case, 1 Sam Brown belt, 1 bayonet, 1 pr hairbrushes & comb & toothbrush, 2 “round” stripes, 1 electric torch, 1 plume, 5 shirts, 4 singlets, 5 drawers, 1 towel. Another black steel trunk contained 1 button hook, 1 fly veil, 1F.S Cop.2 tunics, 1 pr shorts, 1prs trousers, 3 prs breeches, 2 strings beads, 1 lanyard 2 handkerchiefs, 2 towels, 9 collars, 2 neckties, 2 face cloths, 1 pr braces, 1 tumbler, 1 sword frog, 1 pipe bowl, 1 pr sandshoes, 14 prs socks, 2 prs stockings, 2 Balaclava caps, 1 pr mittens, 2 mufflers, 1 rule, 1 purse containing 2 coins, 1 key, quantity of pencils, 1 medallion, 1 prayerbook, military books & notes. A wallet containing 1 identity disc, 2 epaulettes, buttons, badges, 2 green stones, 1 steel mirror, maps & 1 coins

Another package was delivered on 2nd March 1919 and consisted of 1 rug, putties, 1 revolver (unloaded), 1 pyjama coat, 1 coat hanger, 2 shell cases, 1 pair clippers, 1 muffler, 1 plume, 2 prs socks, 1 metal ring, 1pr scissors, 1 protractor, 1 Water proof cover, piece copper shell band, 1 glove, military books, 1 sponge, & letters. The revolver had to be certified that it was Frederick’s private property.

FAMILY REUNION

Thursday 31^st Oct 2024

Clarence Valley Independent Newspaper

‘Never mind the top paddock, I will look after that’

November 14, 2018 

  The Farlow family were pioneers of the Lower Clarence sugar industry in 1870. Philip Higginson, the grandson of Elsie Craig (nee Farlow), coordinated a Farlow family commemoration attended by 80 or so Farlow descendants at an Australian War Memorial Last Post ceremony on Friday November 2. Last Wednesday November 7, Farlow family members paid tribute to Trooper Harold Hamilton Farlow and Lieutenant Frederick Garnet Farlow MC, both of whom killed in action as members of the 11th Australian Light Horse.

About 60 Farlow descendants attended a remembrance ceremony at the Maclean cenotaph and 82 attended the associated dinner at the Maclean Services Club. Philip described the Maclean gathering as “spectacular” “It’s the first time in 100 years that all of the Farlow family has actually got together,” he said. “Many were meeting for the first time.”

Brother and sister, Peter Desmond and Janice DiRimualdo, whose grandfather was Frederick Farlow, travelled from the USA for the commemoration as a result of some genealogical sleuthing by Philip’s wife, Debbie. “Debbie’s a genealogist – she’s been into it for 15 years, researching her family history,” Philip said. “She insisted that I do something about my family – the 100-year anniversary was too good of an opportunity to pass up. “Debbie found a name in a [USA] college year book and on an electoral role. “She found a phone number and rang it. She said, ‘Does the name Farlow mean anything to you?’ “They answered, ‘Yes it does.’ “We nearly dropped the phone.” Philip said both Harold and Frederick were married men.

“Six weeks after they sailed for overseas service, Fred’s wife gave birth to a daughter whom he never saw. “She grew up a fine woman and later married an American serviceman and went to live in America.”

Clarence Canegrowers Association president, Ross Farlow, coordinated the Maclean ceremony and dinner. “Philip initiated the events many months ago,” said Ross “It was wonderful that some of our family could go to Canberra. “My grandfather, Merton, fought alongside Harold and Frederick and was lucky enough to come home. “Some of my family was born on the Hawkesbury – but many family members were born at the farm at Farlows Lane; Merton had his family and the Farlow family has a long history of cane farming.” Ross said it was a “very proud day” for his family. “One thing I took out of the wreath laying ceremony,” he said: “at the end of the line there were some kids from Tassie who were on holiday – it was very touching that they laid wreathes for our family and on behalf of the wider Australian community.” Ross thanked Maclean RSL Sub Branch members Dennis Noel and Steve Walton, “who were amazing putting together the flag raising ceremony”. “A lot of family members could not go to Canberra, so it was a treat to have a dinner where we shared stories and photographs and had a great night together,” he said.

If you have any additional information about this individual, we invite you to email us at rsl@msmc.org.au.