ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

I thought I would post this death notice from The Argus (Melbourne) 1st September, 1919.



ROBERTS - In loving memory of my dear husband, and little Nancy's dear daddy, No. 8874 (number could be wrong - difficult to read), F. W. Roberts, killed in action at Mont. St. Quentin, 1st September, 1918.

Dearly loved, sadly missed.
Could I, his wife, have clasped his hand,
The husband I loved so well.
To kiss his brow when death was near,
And whisper, dear Frank, farewell.
If I could run to meet you, daddy,
And climb upon your knee;
But let this little token tell
Mother always tells me of thee.
My dear, brave soldier daddy.

- (Inserted by his loving wife, Ruby, and daughter, Nancy)



Frank Roberts was a good friend of CJ Dennis, and served partly as a model for 'The Bloke'. (Frank was a berry farmer, like 'Bill'.)

The Toolangi Festival will be held this weekend, at 'The Singing Gardens', Dennis' former home. We will remember and celebrate the life and works of CJ Dennis, his family and friends - including Frank, Ruby and Nancy.

Thousands died and everyone had a story just like that. I guess the Kings and Generals thought that only they had families and stories to tell.

Of course, you're right, Neville. What I find especially poignant about this story, though, apart from the CJ Dennis connection, is that it has been so well documented. I don't mean Frank's death, which is not well documented at all, but the reaction of his parents, especially his father. In fact, his parents lived in a street I drive past often - and did so this morning. I would like to think we can learn from stories like these. At least something positive can be said to have come from them. And I suppose we have, too. But sometimes I wonder.