Captain Frank Smith MC

The Governor attended a service at Flame of Remembrance, followed by a luncheon held by the Highgate RSL.

At the luncheon, a missing plaque in the name of Captain Frank Smith MC was rededicated on the Honour Avenues in Kings Park.

Captain Smith is a relative of the Governor. He enlisted at the start of the conflict in August 1914 and served in the 51st Battalion, a group primarily made up of Western Australian soldiers. He survived the terror, confusion and brutality of Gallipoli, only to be delivered with his brothers in arms to the hell of the Western Front. He was killed by gunshot wounds on ANZAC Day, 25 April 1918, six months shy of the Armistice that was called 104 years ago on Friday.

“When we remember Captain Smith…

• those who fought beside him,
• those who raised, loved, trained and supported him,
• those who died and who like him are buried in France or in a war grave somewhere overseas,
• and those who carried on the legend of those early brave Diggers, and fought in other wars over the generations,

…we fulfil a solemn national promise made over 100 years ago, that we would never forget them.

Here at Karrgatup (Kings Park) at the feet of these majestic trees are plaques that recall their names. In this place of peace and serenity in nature, their stories are told. They invite us to quiet reflection in an atmosphere that could not be a greater contrast to the sound and fury of their final weeks, days, hours and minutes. When we reflect, it is a sacred duty that we perform in their honour, and when we do, we find the inspiration we need to carry on.”

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