People Australia

Reginald Norris Franklin,

from Bank of NSW Roll of Honour

REGINALD NORRIS FRANKLIN, son of Mr. Samuel and Mrs. Julia Reed Franklin, of London, was born in Surbiton, Surrey, on 18th April, 1883. He was educated at the Borlase School, Great Marlow, Buckinghamshire, and joined the service of the Bank at Casino, New South Wales, on 11th August, 1901. His subsequent transfers were to Kyogle, in 1904; Bangalow, in 1906; Lismore and Dunoon, 1911; and again to Lismore in 1912.

He enlisted a month after the outbreak of war, and went away as lieutenant in charge of the 1st Reinforcements of the 2nd Light Horse, taking part in the Gallipoli Campaign. He was eventually invalided to England, and acted as adjutant in the Weymouth Camp. He rejoined his regiment in the Jordan Valley, Palestine, in 1916, and was awarded the D.S.O. for gallant service at Tel-el-saba.

The following is the official record of his work on this occasion:—

‘‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He displayed great coolness and determination in handling his squadron under heavy fire. At a critical period, when the commanding officer of his regiment had become a casualty, he took command and, though twice wounded, he continued to lead his men and set a magnificent example of courage and resource.”

After the Armistice Major Franklin devoted his time to organizing entertainments throughout Palestine for the troops. He was invalided to Australia in March, 1919, and died at Randwick Hospital on 6th July of that year, after an operation which was due to trouble brought on by the hardships of service.