CURTIN, Francis

Francis was a son of Peter and Susannah Curtin of Old Mill near Tingha NSW.  He enlisted at Armidale NSW in May 1916 stating he was a forty four year old Miner and a Widower living at Tingha. Before his departure for War service he was given a farewell at Old Mill where he was presented with a watch from his relatives and a pocket book and silver matchbox from friends. The residents of Tingha also organised a farewell function for him.

Francis joined the Camel Corps November 1916 Reinforcements and left Australia on HMAT A7 Medic in December, arriving at Suez the following month. Four weeks later he was transferred to the 4th Light Horse Regiment.  His rank was Driver.

Francis returned home in June 1919 and was medically discharged in September. He died at Cessnock NSW in 1948. His name is among those recorded on the Tingha Honor list and on the Stannifer and Old Mill Honour Board.

Image: Francis Curtin with Anne Ryan. Permission from Private collection