Second son killed

A Balfron mother was mourning the loss of her second son in the fighting.

Mrs Craig, Viewfield, was notified that eldest son Frank was killed in France on July 10. His younger brother Guthrie made the ultimate sacrifice during the Gallipoli campaign.

Frank, educated at the village’s public school, served an apprenticeship as a plumber with James Paton and eight years earlier emigrated to Australia, where he worked with an uncle in Kogarah, New SouthWales.

After joining up he came from Australia in September 1916 and was sent to France. He visited his mother in Viewfield the following January.

Frank had the reputation of a conscientious and skilful tradesman and before emigrating underwent military training with Glasgow Highlanders. He cycled 20 miles into Glasgow to attend drill.

Frank was also an enthusiastic member of Balfron Instrumental Band and a devoted member and active worker in the Presbyterian Church in Kogarah.

In a poignant letter, written three days before he was killed, Frank wrote:“I am quite prepared for anything that might happen and, thank God, I am not troubled with that awful fear of death.”

The Observer added:“By prophetic instinct, he seems to have known what was approaching and, although no details are yet known about how he met his death, from the life he lived it is certain that he met it calmly, bravely, doing what he could in vindication of a righteous and glorious cause.”

Frank’s wife and child were living in Australia. He had another brother serving in France.