FAMILY LIFE

Francis Robert Mudge was born on 2^nd April 1897 in Milton, son of Thomas William Mudge & Annie Christine (Smith) Mudge. He was the youngest of three children. By 1899 the Mudge family lived in Murwillumbah and Thomas was a well-known dairy farmer until he retired in 1922.

APPLICATION

Francis was single labourer, eager to do his bit. He enlisted in his home town, Murwillumbah, on 22 January 1915 to complete his application which showed his next of kin as his father, Thomas, of Dungay . His medical showed he was 21 years 9 months old, (but he was only 18, being born in 1897 not 1894 as stated). Francis was 5ft 4 ¾ inches tall (1.61m), weighed 9 stone 7 ½ lbs (61kgs), with a fair complexion, grey eyes & fair hair. His eyesight was good. Francis was Methodist.  

The Examining Medical Officer stated that Francis “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, Francis Robert Mudge, 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 enlisted as a private into the 15^th Infantry Battalion with service No 1767

15^TH INFANTRY BATTALION

The 15th Battalion AIF was raised from late September 1914, six weeks after the outbreak of the First World War. Three-quarters of the battalion were recruited as volunteers from Queensland, and the rest from Tasmania. With the 13th, 14th, and 16th Battalions it formed the 4th Brigade, commanded by Colonel John Monash. The 15th Battalion is remembered for its bravery and resilience during World War

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.

VOYAGE OVERSEAS

On the 8^TH April 1915, the recruits left Brisbane, sailing upon the HMAT Star of England. 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 had already completed their basic training in Australia but over many more tough months, in Egyptian the 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.

DARDENELLES AUGUST 1915

After his training, Francis joined the 15^th Battalion. From May to August, the battalion was heavily involved in establishing and defending the front line of the ANZAC beachhead. In August, the 4th Brigade attacked Hill 971. The hill was taken at great cost although Turkish reinforcements forced the Australians to withdraw. At the end of the month, a detachment from A Company reinforced the 14th Battalion's unsuccessful attack on Hill 60. The 15th Battalion served at ANZAC until the evacuation in December.

WOUNDED IN ACTION

One of the casualties of the Hill 971 battle was Francis, with a gunshot wound to his head on 7^th August 1915. He was admitted to the 1^st General Hospital in Alexandria on 10^th August but transferred to the 3^rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital in Heliopolis where he contacted influenza on 6th September

HOSPITALISATION SEPTEMBER 1915 INFLUENZA

This was a dangerous disease to have in an area with a lot of people who would continue to spread the infection. Many people died with this disease which could cause trouble breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, seizures and/or severe weakness or muscle pain.

There was no effective medical treatment for Influenza. The Army Nurse Corps was critical for soldier’s care. Symptom management by skilled supportive nursing care was the best predictor of positive patient outcomes and decreases in mortality rates. This care consisted of duties such as administering medications, monitoring vital signs, fever control, providing hydration, rest, dressing changes, open-air therapy, bed baths, clean bedding, feeding, back and chest rubs with camphorated sweet oil, and cleaning the ward. On 19^th October 1915 he was transferred to the convalescent camp at Ras el Tin. 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.

ZEITOUN CAMP- MARCH 1916

Francis spent many months recovering from his wound and on 13^th March 1916 he was attached to Garrison Headquarters in Zeitoun in the quartermaster section. The task of feeding soldiers during WWI was enormous and the logistics staggering. The Quartermaster Corps had numerous functions and supplied everything from personal equipment, horses, ammunition, automobiles, laundry, and bath services to one of its most important functions: food.  Soldiers also had to be transported to, from and around the fighting fronts. The soldiers were expected to carry 30 kilos of equipment. They had to be paid. All this was done by the quartermaster corps and the logistics involved was amazing

ENGLAND AUGUST 1916 TO APRIL 1917 AIF KIT STORE

On 2^nd August 1916 Francis left Alexandria and took up service with the AIF kit store. All soldier’s uniforms, gear & equipment was called kit and the supply of this was handled by the kit store. The individual AIF infantryman was issued with a universal kit or duffle bag. Into which he packed the following:

·      2 pairs of brown leather hob-nail-soled ankle boots, with one spare pair of laces

·      1 pair of braces

·      2 pairs of woollen cord Commonwealth Pattern breeches

·      Field Service Cap or Slouch Hat, with 2 spare chin straps

·      Greatcoat

·      Jacket – Service Dress

·      1 pair of Puttees – fabric strapping for lower legs

·      Dungaree jacket and trousers

And that was only his uniform. Add to that he was assigned three brushes: hair, shaving and tooth. A comb, razor in a case and soap. Underclothes included two pairs of cotton drawers (underwear), 2 singlets, 2 flannel shirts and 3 pairs of socks. To keep out the chill he was allotted a jersey and khaki cap comforter.  His fighting equipment then had to be added, such as his rifle, bayonet, and ammunition pouches. Again, a huge logistics puzzle to be solved.

FRANCE 1917 TRENCH WARFARE

On 19^th March 1917 he was marched into Perham Downs where he would be brought up to date with the latest the technology and techniques which had been rapidly changing as he was preparing to return to his battalion. On the 5^th April he left England and on 14^th April rejoined the 15^th Battalion. This was Francis’ introduction to trench warfare. On the Western Front in 1914–1918, both sides constructed elaborate trench, underground, and dugout systems opposing each other along a front, protected from assault by barbed wire. The area between opposing trench lines (known as "no man's land") was fully exposed to artillery fire from both sides. Attacks, even if successful, often sustained severe casualties. Trench warfare created a living environment for the men which was harsh, stagnant, and extremely dangerous. Not only were trenches constantly under threat of attack from shells or other weapons, but there were also many health risks that developed into large-scale problems for medical personnel. Apart from the inescapable cold during the winters in France & Belgium, trenches were often completely waterlogged and muddy, and crawling with lice and rats

The time soldiers spent in the trenches varied depending on factors like their army's rotation system and the intensity of the conflict in their sector. On average:

·      Front-line trenches: Soldiers typically remained here for about 4–6 days at a time. This was where the fighting was most intense and the conditions were the harshest.

·      Support and reserve trenches: After time on the front line, soldiers were rotated to these positions for around 6–12 days. These trenches were set further back and offered slightly better conditions.

·      Rest periods: Soldiers were then moved away from the trench system entirely for rest, training, and recovery, often lasting several weeks, depending on operational needs.

The rotation system helped prevent complete physical and mental exhaustion, but the constant dangers of trench life meant there was rarely any true respite.

THE BATTLE OF BULLECOURT

The Battalion had just fought in the Battle of Bullecourt where it suffered heavy losses and it was now it was now spending its time in Belgium, advancing to the Hindenburg Line. The Hindenburg Line was a German defensive position built during the winter of 1916–1917 on the Western Front in France during the First World War. The line ran from Arras to Laffaux, near Soissons on the Aisne. The Hindenburg Line was to replace the old front line as a precaution against a resumption of the Battle of the Somme in 1917. By devastating the intervening ground, the Germans could delay a spring offensive in 1917. A shortened front could be held with fewer troops and with tactical dispersal, reverse-slope positions, defence in depth and camouflage, German infantry could be conserved.

PROMOTION, DEMOTION, PROMOTION

On 23^rd April Frances was promoted to temporary corporal. On 26^th May he reverted to private but promoted to temporary corporal again on the same day. On 25^th Aug 1917 he was promoted to Sergeant

HOSPITALISATION PUO SEPTEMBER 1917

On 19 Sep 1917 Francis was admitted to the 58^th General Hospital, St Omer with PUO- Pyrexia of unknown origin. Trench fever, often classed as “pyrexia,” is a condition that was first reported from troops in Flanders in 1915, when individuals suffered from a febrile illness that relapsed in five-day cycles. Human louse was rife in the trenches of the Western Front. It was the cause of much discomfort to the troops who found it almost impossible to get rid of them. But the body louse did cause another disease that became to be known as 'Trench Fever'. 

The body louse was infected by biting a soldier suffering from Trench Fever. The infected soldier did not show any signs, or symptoms, for anything from a week to a month, when a severe head-ache developed with debilitating muscle pains; characteristically of the shins - hence the commonly used alternative name 'Shin-bone Fever'. With a duration of around five days, the fever went into remission and often reoccurred (relapsed) one or more times. There was no effective treatment for Trench Fever other than bed-rest. He was marched into the 7^th command post in Boulogne. 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. Francis rejoined his unit on the 20^th October 1917.

CADET COURSE JANUARY 1918

On 20^th January 1918 Francis was selected to attend the infantry cadet course in Oxford, England. He would begin the training with physical fitness exercises, was taught individual and unit discipline and how to safely handle his weapons. He would spend many hours learning training in the use of bayonets & anti- gas training along with lectures on camouflage or trench warfare and much more. While on the course he was admitted to 3^rd Southern General Hospital in Oxford on 20^th February with contusion of his nose. A nasal contusion is a bruise that appears on your nose after an injury. A bruise happens when small blood vessels tear but skin does not. It usually heals without any treatment. The bruise may become lighter or change to green or yellow as it heals and Francis was discharged on 27^th February to continue his training.

CONFIDENTIAL REPORT DD 26 JUN 1918

On 26^th June 1918 a confidential report was issued concerning his suitability about becoming a non-commissioned officer.

Standard of education
Has had a poor education academically but is of the educated classes

Military knowledge

Better in practice than on paper but very sound

Power of command and leadership

Very good

Remarks are by different officer

Very good. But his education is weak but he makes up for this by sound command & unfailing cheerfulness & willingness

Units, in order of preference, to which desirous of appointment

15^th, 16^th then 13^th AIF

It was signed by the officer commanding No 4 Officer Cadet Battalion

PROMOTION AND FRANCE 1918- HUNDRED DAY OFFENSIVE

On 2^nd August 1918 he qualified for commission in infantry & appointed 2^nd Lieutenant. On 6^th September 1918 he proceeded overseas to France and was taken on strength on 14 September 1918

The battalion participated in the great allied offensive of 1918, the Hundred Day Offensive. The Hundred Days Offensive (8 August to 11 November 1918) was a series of massive Allied offensives that ended the First World War. Beginning with the Battle of Amiens (8–12 August) on the Western Front, the Allies pushed the Imperial German Army back, undoing its gains from the German spring offensive On 30^th November 1918 Francis was appointed Lieutenant.

GETTING HOME

On 11^th November the fighting was officially over so he prepared to return to Australia. After the Armistice, the Australian Prime Minister Billy Hughes insisted Australian troops be repatriated (returned home) as quickly as possible. This logistical challenge was enormous with 135,000 troops brought home from Britain in 147 voyages, and 16,773 troops from the Middle East in 56 voyages, mostly on a first come, first go basis. There was a lack of suitable ships to transport personnel home and many had to wait many months before they were headed back to Australia. On 1^st February 1919 Francis returned to England and was marched into the 3^rd Training Brigade. On 17^th May 1919 he returned on the HT Commonwealth, disembarking on 5 June 1919. His appointment was terminated on 13 August 1919.

FOR HIS SERVICE

For his service, John was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal and his name is recorded on the Dungay Public School WWI Honour Roll

AFTER THE WAR

Francis married Thelma Irene Llewellyn in 1924 in Queensland. He died on 24^th March 1966, aged in Brisbane. He is buried at Nudgee Cemetery and Crematorium, Nudgee, plot 7A-445

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