Colonel Francis Maxwell de Frayer Lorenzo
Distinguished Service Order, Order of Danilo 4th Class with swords, MiD
1st Battalion Australian Commonwealth Horse
10th Battalion AIF
49th Battalion AIF
by Robert Simpson
The above picture is cropped from a picture of men of the No 6 Company Australian Corps of Signallers in 1907 presented to Lieutenant F M Lorenzo by the members on the occasion of his appointment to Permanent Staff.
Francis Maxwell de Frayer Lorenzo was born on 7th March 1880 at 206 Moodie Street in Balmain, New South Wales. His birth certificate gives his name as Manwell de fraga Laurence, and says his father was Antony Laurence. He was a son to Anthony Lorenzo and Agnes Eliza McGirty, who had married in 1874 in Sydney. Anthony, a seaman, was a son to Manuel and Mary Lorenzo, who had arrived in Sydney on 13th January 1860 with their family. Anthony had been born in Flores in the West Indies in 1852, but the marriage certificate says he was born in Portugal. Francis was one of five children to them. The eldest was their only girl, Agnes Eliza Lorens Lorenzo, born in 1875 in Sydney. Then followed Antone George, born 3rd November 1877 in Balmain; Francis; Thomas Joseph, born in 1884; and William John Patrick, born in 1885 in Balmain. William died on 11th September 1900 of acute appendicitis. Four funeral notices were placed in the Sydney Morning Herald on 13th September for him from his family. The funeral was to leave from the home at 12 Moodie Street to the Roman Catholic Cemetery at Rockwood. Street directories from 1890 to 1894 show that “Antonie” Lorenzo was living at 12 Moodie Street Balmain, but he had no occupation. Antone Lorenzo died on 4th April 1905 at Morts Dock in Balmain. Agnes passed away in Manly in 1925.
As a child, Francis attended the Christian Brothers School in Balmain, listed as Manwell de Zaga (or Frager) Lorenzo. He sat for a Junior exam in 1891, another in 1892 and in 1893.
The Queensland Police Gazette in 1900 had an entry under “Missing Friends” that information was “requested, at the instance of Francis Lorenzo, Agnesville, Moodies, Rozelle, New South Wales, as to the present whereabouts of William Power”. The article gave a description of William and where he was and was supposed to have gone.
New South Wales units of the 1st Australian Commonwealth Horse embarked at Sydney on Custodian on 18th February 1902, disembarking at Durban on 19th March 1902. From there they proceeded by train to Newcastle on 19th March 1902, and then onto Klerksdorp, arriving there on 13th April. Lord Kitchener inspected them on 22nd April, expressing himself as being pleased with the appearance of the men and horses. Under the command of Colonel de Lisle, they were used to clear the district north of Klerksdorp, and were involved in a drive that started on 7th May, pushing westward to the Kimberley-Mafeking railway blockhouse line. They captured prisoners, equipment and a large quantity of stock. Afterwards, they returned to Klerksdorp on 21st May and remained there until the declaration of peace. They returned to Durban on 9th July, for embarkation and return to Australia.
Francis was awarded the Queens South Africa medal with clasps Cape Colony, Transvaal and South Africa 1902 clasps, while serving with the 1st Battalion Australian Commonwealth Horse as 169 Sergeant Major. He was not entitled to the Kings South Africa medal. In Murray’s book, he is listed as 169 Sergeant Frank Lorenzo in B Squadron in the 1st Australian Commonwealth Horse. A document in his service record for WW1 has a copy of “Boer War, 169 Sgt Frank Lorenzo 1st Bn Aust C’wealth Horse” added in the file.
After returning, he became an officer in the Australian permanent forces after sitting exams.
On 2nd March 1905, Francis married Amy Ella Grime. Amy had been born on 31st December 1882 in Casino, a daughter to Jeffrey Grime and Josephine Harriet Eyles, who had both been born in New South Wales and had married on 3rd October 1870 in Sydney. Jeffrey had a lane named after him; Grime’s Lane in Carlingford.
Francis and Amy had three children: Ella Kathleen, born 24th February 1906 in Queensland; Josephine Agnes, born 30th November 1907 in Toowoomba and Marie Hazel de Frayer on 11th August 1909 in Queensland. He was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the A&I Staff on 14th June 1907.
In the 1906 electoral roll, he is listed as living at Glenham, Sandgate Road Albion as a Staff Instructor, with Amy. While in Toowoomba, they were living at the Royal Hotel and Francis was recorded as a Staff Officer in C M Forces on his daughter’s birth certificate. In the 1908 electoral roll, Amy was listed as living at Cecil Street Toowoomba, doing domestic duties, but no record of Francis. For the 1909 roll, he is listed at Dalby and is recorded as an instructor. He is mentioned in The Daily News in Perth in September 1910, he was at Karrakatta as a member of instructional staff for the purpose of field training. He was a Lieutenant, assisting Lieutenant Cass S.O.L. who was in command. As the leader of the ALH team, he drew with another team in the Jarrah-jerkers Match.
In the Officers List for the AMF on 21st December 1912, Captain F M de F Lorenzo was Brigade Major, 21st Brigade Area for Instructional Staff. He had been promoted to Captain on 1st October 1911 and was attached to the 4th Military District Headquarters at Keswick.
District Orders in Adelaide on 8th July 1913 show that Captain F M Lorenzo A&I Staff was a member on the Board to supervise the theoretical half-yearly examinations of Officers of the Citizens Forces in Adelaide.
In a Military Order in 1914, Francis was listed as a Captain. He was serving at Keswick Barracks in Adelaide under Major Brand, before the war.
Francis applied for a Commission in the Australian Imperial Force on 19th August 1914. He stated his educational qualifications were Junior Exam at Sydney University and was first appointed to AM Staff. His military qualifications was AM Staff on 14th June 1907 and he was presently serving as a Captain in the AM Staff. Francis stated his age as 34 years and 5 months old, and he was a married British Subject. His address was Carlisle Street Westbourne Park South Australia. Amy Ella Lorenzo, his wife, was listed as his next of kin and her address changed a few times during his service. Captain H C Nott AAMC examined and certified Francis fit to serve and noted his details as 6-foot-tall, weighing 13 stone 7 pounds and had 6/6 eyesight in both eyes. The Commanding Officer of the 10th Battalion AIF, Colonel S P Weir, signed his recommendation on 19th August 1914 stating he would be posted to Staff as Adjutant and the District Commandant signed the recommendation on 17th September 1914. On 20th August 1914, Francis was appointed Captain and Adjutant of the 10th Battalion.
Group portrait of the original officers of the 10th Battalion prior to leaving Adelaide for Egypt. Front row 7th from left: Captain Francis Maxwell de Frayer Lorenzo (Adjutant) from Westbourne Park, South Australia.
The 10th Battalion embarked on HMAT A11 Ascanius on 20th October 1914 for Egypt.
Outdoor group portrait of officers of the 10th Infantry Battalion using a wagon as a grandstand to watch a battalion sports carnival at Mena Camp Egypt, Christmas 1914. (Note wrong year on both photos). Captain Francis Maxwell de Frayer Lorenzo from Westbourne, South Australia is 7th from the left.
Informal outdoors group portrait of several officers from the 10th Infantry Battalion at Mena Camp, Egypt on Christmas Day 1914. Sixth from the left is Captain Francis Maxwell de Frayer Lorenzo from Westbourne Park.
While in the camp at Mena, the 10th Battalion designed their crest from stone at the front of their camp. Apparently, it was so good, other battalions did their own. Picture below is from the AWM; tent lines of the 10th Infantry Battalion camp at Mena at the base of the pyramids.
Captain Francis Maxwell de Frayer Lorenzo was listed in the 1915 British Army List as being with Administration and Instructional Staff. On 2nd March 1915, he embarked with the MEF to Gallipoli from Alexandria.
On the 25th April, the Battalion left from the Prince of Wales, landed at 4.30 am and reached the 400 Plateau, where they dug in, with the 9th Battalion coming up and digging in beside them. At 11.30am, it was reported that troops on the plateau were under accurate fire from the north-east. Colonel Weir and Captain Lorenzo thought they could see the “flash” of a Turkish battery in the afternoon, near Scrubby Knoll. Unfortunately, the ships could not return fire, for fear of hitting their own men.
The first 10th Battalion Headquarters at Anzac, taken soon after the landing. From left to right the Officers are – Captain Harry Carew Nott (RMO) Capt. Francis Maxwell Lorenzo, Major Frederick William Hurcombe, and Lieut-Col S Price Weir.
He was mentioned in Army Corps Orders for the period from 25th April 1915 to 5th May 1915. On 26th April 1915, he was promoted to Major, was posted to command A Company and was Mentioned in Despatches on 26th August 1915.
In Military Order 570 of 1915 under Administration, was an extract from Army Corps Routine Orders of 29th June 1915: “153. Complimentary”, where the Army Corps Commander was pleased to publish a list of names “which have been brought to his notice for having performed various acts of conspicuous gallantry or valuable service during the period from 25th April to 5th May, 1915. He cordially thanks them for the good work they have performed, which more than ever testifies to their devotion to duty towards King and country. His only regret is that they cannot all be rewarded.” The list included from the 10th Battalion Captain F M de F Lorenzo. On 3rd July 1915, he was sent sick to hospital from the Gallipoli Peninsula. He re-joined from hospital on the 8th with the words “nervous breakdown” written in brackets afterwards. On 12th August 1915, he was admitted to the Australian Casualty Clearing Station at Anzac with diarrhoea and was sent to a hospital on Lemnos on the same day on Guildford Castle, arriving there on the 15th. He was then sent on HS Andania to Malta, arriving on 21st August, where he was admitted to St Andrews with dysentery. He returned to active service on 6th October, embarking at Malta on that day for Egypt. Francis disembarked from Karoa at Alexandria on 8th October. He arrived back at Anzac on 8th November 1915. He was appointed 2nd in Command of the Battalion. Francis temporarily commanded the 11th Battalion from 30th November to 4th December 1915, returning to his battalion on that date.
His wife was sent a note from the Secretary of Defence on 18th September 1915, stating that they regret to report that her husband Major Lorenzo was sick and disembarked at Malta from the Hospital Ship Andania on 21st August and she would be advised of any further particulars. Another note from them on 28th October 1915 let her know he was in a roll dated 24th August 1915 of those who had landed at Malta from Hospital Ship Andania and that he was suffering from “dysentery”. Any further reports would be sent to her promptly.
Francis was awarded the Distinguished Service Order on 8th November 1915.
A group of officers and two ‘other rank’ soldiers of the 10th Infantry Battalion at their mess table at Battalion Headquarters (BHQ) in Victoria Gully, Anzac Cove, Gallipoli. Fourth from left is Captain Francis Maxwell de Frayer Lorenzo from Westbourne Park, South Australia, Adjutant.
Major M de F Lorenzo of 10th Battalion (South Australia) Australian Infantry was Mentioned in Despatch in the London Gazette of 5th November 1915 page 11002. The MiD was written up as “Major Hurcombe and Captain Lorenzo rendered excellent and loyal service on the morning of landing and reorganized the line of defence when units became mixed on Sunday morning and afternoon, and stuck to their work without practically any rest from early on 25th until on night of 28th.” No recommendation exists for his DSO.
The Chronicle Newspaper in South Australia, under the heading Heroes of The Great War on 13 November 1915, on page 41, has the following under Major F. M. de F. Lorenzo; “Major, 10th Battalion awarded the Companions of the Distinguished Service Order (D.S.O.) for services on Gallipoli peninsula, born 7 March 1880. Also served in the Boer War”.
The Register, in Adelaide on Tuesday 9th November 1915 in page 5 had a good article on him, headed “HONOURS FOR AUSTRALASIANS. Major Lorenzo, D.S.O.” It read: “Major Francis Maxwell de Frayer Lorenzo, of the 10th Infantry Battalion (S.A.), was appointed to his present position on August 20, 1914. Major Lorenzo left for the front as adjutant, under Lieut.-Col. S. Price Weir, of the famous ‘Fighting Tenth’ Battalion, 3rd Infantry Brigade, (Q., S.A., and Tas.). He was born on March 7, 1880, and served in the South African war. He was promoted to sergeant-major in the field in South Africa, and holds a Queen’s Medal with three clasps. He received his first commission in the permanent forces on June 14, 1907, and was promoted to the captaincy on New Year’s Day, 1911. His career has been wholly that of a soldier. He was on the instructional staff in Queensland from June, 1907, to February, 1910; and then in Western Australia until June, 1913. He was brigade-major of the 19th Brigade area and subsequently brigade-major of the 19th Infantry Brigade. On April 26 of the present year he was promoted to the rank of major at the front. While connected with the local forces he was an exceedingly popular officer; and letters received in Adelaide from soldiers on Gallipoli mention him as having the confidence and esteem of all his men.” The article also included a picture of him. Newspapers also carried a list of those Mentioned in General Sir Ian Hamilton’s despatches, which under Australians in the 1st Division, under the heading Infantry, included Major Lorenzo of the Tenth Battalion (S.A.).
The history of the 11th Battalion, “Legs Eleven” has an entry from the war dairy for 30th November 1915 which reads: – “The weather has been simply awful. Very little training is possible. The men have so far been unable to get a warm issue (of clothing) and consequently are not able to withstand the cold. We had a sick parade of 64 this morning, which is very large considering our small strength. Major Lorenzo, of the 10th Battalion, assumed temporary command of the 11th Battalion vice Major (temporary Lieut.-Colonel) Leane to hospital, ill.” It then goes onto say that he was relieved on 4th December and returned to the 10th Battalion.
Mrs A E Lorenzo of 73 Rose Terrace Wayville SA was sent a letter from Base Records on 2nd December 1915, detailing an extract from Army Corps Routine Orders for 29th June 1915, which read “153 COMPLIMENTARY. The Army Corps Commander has very much pleasure in published the names of the Junior Regimental Officers, Warrant Officers, N.C.O.’s and men, in the attached supplement, which have been brought to the notice for having performed various acts of conspicuous gallantry or valuable service during the period from 25th April to 5th May, 1915. He cordially thanks them for the good work they have performed, which more than ever testifies to their devotion to duty towards King and Country. His only regret is that they cannot all be rewarded.” The list contained Captain F M deF Lorenzo (promoted Major).
Mrs A E Lorenzo of 73 Rose Terrace Wayville SA was sent a letter from Base Records on 14th December 1915, letting her know that from a roll dated 17th October 1915, Francis embarked on HT Karoa at Malta fit for active service.
On 31st December 1915, a change of address was recorded with regards to the next of kin of Captain F Lorenzo, Headquarters 10th Infantry AIF, as Ella Lorenzo 23a Young Street Wayville SA.
The Battalion was withdrawn from Gallipoli on 21st November 1915 and proceeded to Lemnos and then on to Egypt. On 7th January 1916, he disembarked from Empress of Britain at Alexandria.
He was transferred to the 49th Battalion on 24th February 1916 and was to temporarily command it. Another entry in his service record has that he was transferred from 49th Battalion to Camel Corps on 24th February 1916 and then at Gebel Habieta, he was transferred to the 49th Battalion on 1st March 1916 (from the book The Fighting 10th, Records of Service). It was raised as part of the doubling of the AIF and half of the men came from the 9th Battalion, the rest being new recruits. On 12th March 1916, he was granted the temporary rank of Lieutenant-Colonel while he commanded the 49th Battalion. On the same day, he was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel and was to command the 49th Battalion. In June 1916, he increased the allotment being sent to his wife. A record noted the change of her address in August 1916 to c/o Mrs J Brime “Harebelle” Carlingford NSW from 23a Young Street Wayville SA. While he was CO of the 49th Battalion, they received a consignment of sandbags made by children of Heathfield School in South Australia. They were used in the Suez Canal defences and Francis had a photo of them taken after they were filled and put in position. A letter was sent with the photo to the Director of Education to send on to Heathfield School.
Base records sent Mrs A E Lorenzo of 23A Young St Wayville SA, a letter on 11th April 1916, relating to the entry in Supplement 29354 of the London Gazette of 5th November 1915 relating to the conspicuous services rendered by Francis where he was Mentioned in Despatches “In continuation of my Despatch of 26th August, 1915, I have the honor to submit herewith the additional name of Major F. M. de F. Lorenzo, 10th Battalion.” Ella sent Base Records a letter on 20th April 1916 thanking them for sending her copies of entries for him in the London Gazette and promotions.
He disembarked at Marseilles from HT Ivernia on 1st August 1916 and re-joined the 49th Battalion in the field from detached duty at Cairo. The 49th Battalion had previously arrived in France on 12th June 1916. They suffered badly in the battle at Mouquet Farm in August and the attack of 3rd September. For the rest of the year they alternated between front-line duty, and training and labouring behind the line.
A letter he sent to the mother of 1855 Sergeant William Doyle Hobson, who was killed on 16th August 1916 at Pozieres was published in a newspaper. In it he stated that Sergeant Hobson had been killed on the night of the 15th by shell fire on “the first occasion the 49th Battalion went into action and the conduct of your son under heavy fire was very gallant.” He remained at a strong post which was under heavy fire, to direct the fire of their machinegun. “By his splendid example and devotion to duty he undoubtedly set the men of his section a very fine example” and Francis had also included a note from “Major General Sir H. V. Cox, K.C.M.G., C.B., C.S.I., commanding 4th Australian Division, congratulates 1885 Sgt. Hobson, W.D. 49th Battalion, 13th A.I. Brigade, on his gallant conduct as observer, night August 15th, near Pozieres, under heavy fire.” (Note incorrect service number).
On 31st October 1916, he was awarded the Order of Danilo 4th Class by HM the King of Montenegro. Only two of these awards were given to officers in the AIF. He was Mentioned in Despatches on 13th November 1916.
On 22nd December 1916, Francis was on leave in England from the 49th Battalion in the field.
Lieutenant-Colonel M de F Lorenzo DSO of Infantry Corps was Mentioned in Despatches in the London Gazette of 4th January 1917 in volume 29890 page 256. He was admitted to the 15th Australian Field Ambulance in the field with pyrexia of unknown origin on 9th January 1917. He was then admitted to 38th Casualty Clearing Station on 23rd January and was transferred to AT on the 25th. Another entry on the 23rd stated he had an injury to the groin and fractured femur and was sent to hospital from the field. From the Red Cross Hospital at Rouen on 27th January, he was sent to England, embarking on HT St Patrick on 28th January with a fractured pelvis. He was admitted to the 3rd London General Hospital with a fractured pelvis (accidental?) at Wandsworth England on 29th January 1917. Another record says fractured femur slight (accident). On 9th February 1917, a letter was sent to Mrs Lorenzo c/o Mrs J Brime “Harebelle” Carlingford NSW, advising her that Francis had been admitted to 3rd London General Hospital on the 29th with a fractured pelvis due to an accident and she would be advised in further reports.
When he was injured, he was riding Betsy behind the lines. Betsy was his horse he had brought over from Australia. He returned to England from Rouen France on HS St Patrick with a fractured pelvis.
On 14th February 1917, Base Records replied to Mrs A Lorenzo, advising her that the address she should sent letters to would be; INJURED (written clearly in red) Lieutenant-Colonel F M de F Lorenzo 49th Battalion AIF Abroad. They also noted the change of her address to 37 Prince Street Mosman NSW. She had asked them what address to send letters to him to, the 3rd London General Hospital or just abroad as usual. The letter was undated but they received it on the same day they replied.
A personal note in The Register of Adelaide on Friday 23rd February 1917 reads: – “Mrs. Lorenzo, of Mosman, New South Wales, and late Adelaide, has received official news that her husband, Lieut.-Col. F. M. de M. Lorenzo, D.S.O., is in hospital in England suffering from fractured pelvis. His horse was blown from under him by a shell in France. Since his part in the action at Pozieres he has been awarded the Montenegrin Order of Danilo. Lieut.-Col. Lorenzo served in the Boer war and at Gallipoli. He was on the military staff in Queensland, then in Western Australia, and later in South Australia, and, going to Gallipoli as adjutant, under Col. Weir, won promotions in the field.”
Francis returned to Australia on HMAT Beltana, embarking at Plymouth on 17th March 1917 and arriving on 14th May 1917. His service record notes it was for change- fractured pelvis.
A cable from Capetown on 15th April 1917 read “To Lorenzo Price St Mosman NSW. Lorenzo is improving. You should return to Adelaide.” It was forwarded to Mrs A E Lorenzo, 37 Prince St Mosman by Base Records. Another letter from Base Records on 1st May 1917 to her stated that Francis was due in Adelaide about mid-May, but could not be precise. His records stated he disembarked at Adelaide on 12th May 1917. Base Records sent Francis a letter on 11th May 1917, advising him of the Mention in Despatches he had been acknowledged with in a despatch from General Sir Douglas Haig for which he “had the honor to submit the name of the undermentioned officer serving under my command, whose distinguished and gallant services, and devotion to duty, I consider of deserving of special mention”. It was recorded in the London Gazette Second Supplement 29890 of 2nd January 1917. On 20th September 1917, the Commandant of the 2nd Military District sent the Department of Defence a letter including a statement of service of an officer whose appointment in the AIF is recommended for termination. It was for Lieutenant-Colonel F M de F Lorenzo 49th Battalion and it was recommended his appointment be terminated from 12th October 1917 for being medical unfit. He had previous service in A&I Staff AM Forces. His appointment was terminated on 2nd October 1917. A cable on 4th October 1917 to Base Records in Melbourne asked for the dates of promotion to Major and Lieutenant-Colonel for “Lorenzo 49 Battalion” from the Paymaster Adelaide. The reply stated 26th April 1915 and 20th March 1916 respectively. The Department of Defence in Melbourne asked the Commandant of the 2nd Military District for the medical report proceeding on Francis to be forwarded as soon as possible on 14th September 1917. Francis is mentioned in the publication All Australian Memorial as receiving a DSO and being mentioned in a despatch dated 6th November. On 29th November 1917, Base Records forwarded a certificate relating to the Order of Danilo 4th Class that was awarded to him, asking for return of the receipt. On 1st September 1917, Base Records sent him a letter detailing the award of the Order of Danilo, 4th Class being made to him for distinguished services rendered during the course of the campaign and dated 31st October 1916 from H.M. The King of Montenegro.
His appointment in the AIF was terminated on 2nd October 1917 in Adelaide.
The picture below has noted “A large group of Australian military officers, described as the instructional staff of the Federal City Forces; most names not known.” Identified in the front row F.M. Lorenzo 8th from right. Also, “this photo appear to have been taken at the same time at the Jubilee (ie Exhibition) Oval during the later years of WWI. It is possible that the small group is the local staff and the large includes staff from HQ at Keswick.”
A letter to him on 31st October 1918 from Base Records was asking if he would prefer his DSO to be sent to him, or presented to him at a public occasion. They had just received the decoration and were wanting to arrange some time for the Governor-General to present it to him. The letter was sent to him at District Headquarters at Victoria Barracks in Paddington NSW. They replied on 25th November 1918, stating the decoration had been sent to the Governor-General for presentation.
The Sydney Mail of Wednesday 18th December 1918 on page 14 had pictures and an article on a “VICE- REGAL GARDEN PARTY IN HONOUR OF THE FRENCH MISSION. WHEN THE BAND PLAYED ‘THE MARSEILLAISE.’ The grounds of Admiralty House were thronged with guests on Wednesday afternoon on the occasion of the garden party given by the Governor-General and Lady Helen Munro Ferguson in honour of General Pau and the members of the French mission. An interesting feature of the afternoon was the decoration by his Excellency of several officers”, which included Colonel Lorenzo, D.S.O. Military Orders on 20th December 1919 included, under Leave of Absence, “Major (Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel) F. M. de F. Lorenzo, D.S.O., Administrative and Instructional Staff, 2nd Military District, being granted 43 days’ leave of absence, on full pay, from 26th November, 1919, to 7th January, 1920, as a special case, on account of illness, under the provisions of Australian Military Regulation 416.” On 23rd April 1920, Francis signed for his 1914-15 Star.
Base Records sent Headquarters 4th Military District a letter on 29th April 1921, as Francis had asked them what had happened to his British War Medal. A reply stated it had been sent under separate registered cover. The receipt was returned signed on 11th May 1921. On 11th June 1921, Francis was sent a Certificate for a Mention in Despatches, to 37 Prince Street Mossman NSW by Base Records. He signed and returned the form on 21st June. Another one was sent to him at the same address on 6th October 1921, only to be returned unclaimed. It was resent on 8th November to Headquarters 3rd District Base, Victoria Barracks, Melbourne, and was returned signed on 12th November. Headquarters in Adelaide was sent a letter by base Records on 6th April 1922, asking for the return of the Victory medal sent to them for Francis, as he had been now employed in the 3rd Military District. They asked for it to be sent to Victoria Barracks in Melbourne.
As an Officer in the Permanent Forces, Francis passed a Course of Instruction and qualified in Tactical Fitness for Command on 12th to 17th December 1921 at Lilydale-Yarra Glen. He then qualified for promotion to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel under Military Order 205 on 17th June 1922. A Military Order on 5th August 1922 shows, under Staff Corps, the changes in the allotment of officers of the Staff Corps to Graded Staff Appointments. Under Divisional Staffs in the 3rd Division Headquarters Victoria is listed “A.Q.” Branches – S.O. Grade 1B, Major (Honorary) Lieutenant-Colonel F M de F Lorenzo DSO. Another order in 1923 shows he was appointed Instructional Group Commander, in addition to his appointment as Staff Officer, Administrative Branch in the 3rd Division with the same rank. An extract from the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No. 75 of 25th October 1923 listed in Army Orders shows the following appointment being made in connexion with the Australian Military Forces:- To be Lieutenant-Colonel. – Major (Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel) F M de F Lorenzo DSO.
In 1921, Francis was involved with submitting an appeal to the High Court in a military case, where a previous decision by a magistrate had dismissed information charging an officer who had claimed travelling expenses for which he did not carry out. He was also examined medically and passed fit in that year. Another record has him being passed fit from 1921 to 1938 while with the Australian Staff Corps as AA & QMG & IGC. He signed for his Victory Medal on 26th April 1922.
In the 1924 electoral roll, they were living at 195 Oorong Road St Kilda in Victoria and Francis was a staff officer. By the 1934 roll, they were living at “Clare” Devon St. Annerley, and he was a Staff Officer. In the 1936 roll, they were living at 70 Bayswater Rd Darlinghurst Sydney and he was a military officer. By the 1937 roll, they had moved to 76 Bayswater Rd, and he had the same occupation. Agnes passed away on 25th November 1940 in Woollahra, New South Wales. The Courier Mail in Queensland reported her death the next day. In the 1943 roll, he was at Charlotte building, York St, in Darling Harbour as a public servant.
A medical report in 1928 showed he was 6 foot tall, weighed 13 stone 11.5 pounds, had a girth of 40 inches expanded and had 6/6 vision in both eyes and a scar on his abdominal wall. The Fighting 10th book gives a list of his important Australian Military Force appointments, which are many and involved appointments in Victoria (1917 to 1925), NSW and Queensland (1925-6), Queensland (1926 to 1935) and then Sydney from 1935, having been promoted to Colonel and appointed Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster-General of the 2nd District Base. The book also pointed out he had “a soldierly carriage” and “was always a conspicuous parade ground figure, and possessed an unmistakeable barrack-square voice, which for volume and penetrability could not be excelled.” At the Annual Dinner for the Ninth Battalion (Moreton Regiment), held on 12th November 1928, Francis attended and was one of the people who signed on the menu and toast list, along with others who had attended.
The Sunday Mail of 14th July 1929 had a photo of “Mrs. F. M. Lorenzo and her daughter, Miss Josephine Lorenzo, both of whom are energetic workers for several metropolitan charities. Mrs. Lorenzo is president of the committee of the Anzac ball, which will be held on August 8”. The Brisbane Courier of 15th March 1930 noted an afternoon party, of which Amy was host at Netherway the day before. Josephine and Marie entertained the ladies.
An article in The Brisbane Courier in 1931 concerned two charges of theft. “Two silver ornaments, representing military bombs, valued at £5, presented to the Staff Corps mess at Victoria Barracks some years ago by General Sir Henry Norman and Major Ricardo, respectively, were exhibits in the Police Court in a case in which Peter Paul Kearns (52), labourer, was charged, before Mr. J. Stewart Berge, P.M., that, on November 16, he stole the ornaments, the property of Francis Maxwell De Frayer Lorenzo.” He pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to a month’s imprisonment. Also in 1931, Francis had an operation for a right inguinal hernia and was in hospital for a couple of weeks before being discharged.
Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Maxwell de Frayer Lorenzo DSO (1915) was listed in the 1933-4 and 1935 (on page 292) editions of Who’s Who in Australia. Both had the same entry: “LORENZO, Lieut.-Col. Francis Maxwell de Frayer, D.S.O., Staff Corps: b. Mch. 7, 1880; joined Perm. Forces, Lieut. A. & I. Staff June 14, 1907, Captain 1911, Major 1915, Lieut.-Col. 1923; served Gt. War, A.I.F. 1915-17, Gallipoli, France, Adjt. 10th Battn. 1914-15, Commanded 49th Battn. 1916-17, despatches, D.S.O. 1915, Order of Danilo of Montenegro, A.Q.M.G. 2nd Mily. Dist., Sydney, 1917-19, S.O. A.-Q. Branches 3rd Div. A.M.F. 1922-24, A.A. and Q.M.G. and I.G.C. 3rd Div. 1925-26, A.A. and Q.M.G. and I.G.C. 1st Cav. Div. 1926-28, A.A. and Q.M.G. and I.G.C. 11th Mixed Bde. And 1st Dist. Base, Brisbane since Oct. 15, 1928; address, Brisbane, Q.” A more detailed listing of his appointments is listed in a copied page in his service records, but it is not very clear.
In 1934, when Francis was AA & QMG of 11th Mxd. Brigade & 1 D. B. as a Lieutenant-Colonel, he received a request from the Maryborough School Committee, asking if they could use the 47th Battalion drill hall, during remodelling of the school. Francis sent a reply to the Director of Education, saying that the Drill Hall was being used by 47th Battalion staff daily, however the Engineer Drill Hall, if suitable, was available. The Director of Education replied, saying the hall may not be large enough, but they would accept it as it would help them out of their difficulties. He had been put in command of the 1st District Base and 11th Mixed Brigade during the absence of Brigadier E M Ralph DSO, who was on leave of absence. In the 1934 electoral roll, they were living at “Claire”, Devon Street in Annerley.
In January 1935, a medical record noted he had been well up until a few months ago. He had been working very hard and had fainted a few times lately. The clinical notes included “Alcohol – always two beers per day”, “Staff Officer – mostly administrative work. A little fat” and teeth deficient but in fair order. Tonsils enlarged.” The rest of his health was fine, apart from vision problems. The doctor advised bifocals and in further tests, heart abnormalities were found. Most of his problems were put down to exhaustion, and it was advised he have 2 months rest.
A ceremony at Victoria Barracks by Governor Sir Leslie Wilson in May 1935 was to present jubilee medals and LSGC medals. Francis was one of the officers who received them. The Courier Mail of 28th May 1935 noted that “Mrs. F. M. Lorenzo, who, with her husband, Colonel F. M. Lorenzo, will leave Brisbane on June 17 on transfer to Sydney. During their residence in Brisbane Colonel and Mrs. Lorenzo have made many friends, and they will be the guests of honour at several farewell gatherings prior to their departure for their new home in the South.” In 1935, his name was “mentioned in military circles in connection with higher command vacancies created by the retirement and transfer of certain A.M.F. officers, he being preceded by only four other colonels on the Graduation List of the Australian Staff Corps.”
In the Personal column of the Maryborough Chronicle on 8th July 1935 is the following entry: – “Lieutenant-Colonel F. M. Lorenzo, who was recently appointed Quartermaster-General of 2nd. District Base, Victoria Barracks, has been promoted to the rank of colonel. He commanded the 49th. Battalion, A.I.F., during the war.” They were living in Kelvin Grove while there. On 17th January 1936, a letter to Victoria Barracks at Paddington from a Medical Superintendent and Eye Specialist stated Francis was having headaches and the glasses proscribed for him a year ago were not comfortable “ in these bifocals and says distance vision is better without them.” In his service records is a document showing he had various dental treatments in Brisbane from 1919 to 1938, including a gold filling while with Staff Corps. He was also given dentures in place of 9 teeth in 1938.
The Royal Australian Navy sent a letter of appreciation to Francis during its’ 150 year celebrations in 1938.
In 1939, he terminated his Army service due to age restrictions and became the New South Wales Director of the National Emergency Services. He gave a speech in Goulburn about the National Emergency Service that same year. He outlined every phase of their work during major calamities. He also gave a speech at Castle Hill about the service and what steps would be taken in case of an emergency. They moved to a flat at Valimo, New South Head Road, Vancluse, Sydney. Colonel Francis Maxwell de Frayer Lorenzo DSO retired from the army, with permission to keep his rank and uniform on 8th March 1940 from the ASC. In 1941, Francis replied to the Education Minister about national emergency services for non-state schools, which the paper stated “was satisfactory to our readers”.
An article in “Action” of April 1942 on page 15 about Men of the N.E.S. was about Francis, saying he was the virtual founder of the National Emergency Services administration in NSW. It went on to say he was “a soldier whose baptism of fire came in the Boer War, whence he emerged Squadron Sergeant-Major, N.S.W. Forces. The Great War found him in uniform again, and gave him one of the rare Gallipoli D.S.O.’s, won with the 10th Battalion. Later, as Lieut.-Col. He commanded the 49th, was four times mentioned in despatches, and won the Montenegrin Order of Danilo before he was smashed up at Deville Wood in 1917. They said when he came back to Australia he would never walk again; now he walks without a limp. In Australia’s peace-time army he was Assistant Adjutant, later Quartermaster-General, 2nd Military District. Shortly before he was due for retirement he left the army to organise National Emergency Services in N.S.W., laid down the present framework at a time when the public refused to take A.R.P. seriously, starting in May, 1938, between Munich and war. Is now State Operational Controller.”
In the 1944 edition of Who’s Who in Australia, he was recorded as Colonel Francis Maxwell de Frayer Lorenzo DSO, Director of National Emergency Services Sydney from 1940-41, appointed Chief Technical Adviser in June 1941, retired list. It also said “see XIth Edition, 1941, Page 423.”
Francis passed away on 28th January 1947 at 151 Hastings Parade North Bondi, which was his daughter’s residence. His usual residence was listed as 17 Gerrilong Gardens, Reid, Canberra. His occupation was listed as Director of National Emergency Services. He was cremated at Northern Suburbs Crematorium 30 January 1947. His Death Certificate was certified by A F Allan, his Son-in-law. In the 1947 Who’s Who in Australia he was mentioned as “Lorenzo, Col. Francis Maxwell de Frayer, D.S.O., January 28, 1947.” in the obituary section. He was also recorded in a death notice in the Sydney Morning Herald on 29th January 1947, saying he died at Bondi North. A short obituary was also included in that paper, discussing his career. His funeral was at the director’s chapel at 810 George Street, Sydney and after the service his body was taken to the Northern Suburbs Crematorium. Brethren of Lodge Army and Navy U.G.L. were invited to attend his funeral.
There are quite a few documents at National Archives Australia relating to Francis Lorenzo: –
Item details for: SP196/3, L8 Colonel Francis Maxwell de Frayer Lorenzo [36 pages] [Box 2] PAPER FILES AND DOCUMENTS Open Sydney.
Item details for: A10071, 1920/46 LORENZO Francis Maxwell de Frayer versus CAREY Bernard John 1920 – 1921 Canberra Open.
Item details for: B73, R22322 LORENZO, Francis Maxwell De Flayer – Service Number – N/A Melbourne Open.
Item details for: AWM61, 447/10/322 [Demonstrations – 150th anniversary celebrations 1938 – Royal Australian Navy – Letter of appreciation to Colonel Francis M de F Lorenzo] Australian War Memorial 1938 – 1938 Open.
Item details for: D2994, LORENZO F LORENZO Francis Maxwell De Frayer – Service Number – Lieutenant/Colonel 1914 – 1923 Canberra Open PAPER FILES AND DOCUMENTS.
All are opened, but not online, so their contents are not known.
With his brothers and sister-
Agnes married Lindsay Christie in 1903 in Balmain. In the 1936 and 1937 electoral rolls, they were living at Lower Portland and he was an orchardist. She passed away in 1943 at Windsor. Her obituary was recorded in a local paper.
Antone married Elizabeth Hardman in 1910 in Sydney. In 1923, he married Kathleen Mary Muldoon. They were living at 99 Weston Road in Balmain and he was an undertaker in the 1933 electoral roll. By the 1937 roll, they had moved to 59 Rawson Street Auburn and he was a manager. He died on 1st February 1939 at 99 Western Street Balmain. (Name also spelt Antoni, but probably known as George).
Thomas Joseph married Margaret Hannah Cole at Drummoyne in 1907 and lived in Paddington, Sydney at 63 Paddington Street and he was a bus proprietor. He died on 7th July 1933 in Sydney and was buried at Roman Catholic Cemetery in Rookwood on 8th July 1933. Survived by Widow Margaret H Lorenzo and daughter Margaret 23 years. His funeral service was at Sacred Heart Church Darlinghurst.
William only lived until he was 15, as noted above.
With his children-
Ella Kathleen married Thomas Hale Shaw at St James Church King Street in Sydney in 1927, with the reception being held in the officers’ mess at Victoria Barracks. In the 1936 electoral roll, they were living at 2 Holland Grove Caulfield in Victoria and Thomas was an accountant. There are no record afterwards for her, but Ella applied for his Gallipoli Medallion on 13th July 1967 as his eldest daughter, giving her address as 17 Gerrilong Gardens Reid Canberra ACT 2601, filling out the form Base Records had sent her. She had previously written them a letter, asking for the Gallipoli Medallion. Ella stated “He was commissioned in 1907 to the G & I Staff afterwards Staff Corps & left South Australia with the first AIF contingent and was on Gallipoli as Adjutant of the 10th Battalion. He was wounded there and after the reorganisation moved to France & the 49th where he was awarded the DSO. He was invalided back to Australia in 1917 and remained with the Staff Corps until he retired. Do your records contain copies of citations for awards – if so would it be possible to obtain that for my father’s DSO?” On 25th July, CARO replied, saying that it “is regretted that no copy is available of a Citation relating to your late father’s Distinguished Service Order.”
Josephine Agnes married William Hume Kelly on 24th May 1930 at Albert Street Methodist Church, Brisbane, Queensland. In the 1936 electoral roll, they were living at Prospect Terrace, Kelvin Grove and he was a salesman. They moved around a bit after that, and by 1949 were in Belmore New South Wales and both were clerks. They had two children. In the 1950’s they were at 187 Kingsgrove Road in Moorefields with the same occupation. She died in 1977 in New South Wales.
Marie Hazel de Frayer married Archibald Frederick Allan in Queensland in 1935 at Christ Church Milton. The reception was held in the officers’ mess at Victoria Barracks, Brisbane. They lived in Taringa in “Carinya”, Victoria Street and he was a manager in the 1930’s and 40’s. Archibald served in WW2 as Q61805 Lieutenant in the CMF, discharging from Advance Supply Depot on 20th November 1943. There are no records after that for them.
His medals are Distinguished Service Order, Queens South Africa medal with Cape Colony, Transvaal and South Africa 1902 clasps, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal with MiD emblem, 1935 Jubilee Medal, 1937 Coronation Medal and Order of Danilo 4th Class 4th Class with Swords (Montenegro). His eldest daughter also applied for the Anzac Commemorative Medallion on 13th July 1967.
Francis Lorenzo was the only 10th Battalion officer to receive a gallantry award for Gallipoli and he was the first Commanding Officer of the 49th Battalion AIF. Apparently his nickname in the Army was “The Bull”. His British War Medal has his Battalion impressed on it, which is rare for an AIF officer. Photos below are of him after WW1 and before 1935, and while director of the NES.
In the NES journal “Action” of April 1942 page 15, under Men of the NES, Colonel Lorenzo.
ANZAC Biographies
On our website you will find the biographical details of ANZAC (as well as British) servicemen & women
whose medals or other memorabilia form part of the collection on display at the
Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum,
Maryborough, Queensland, Australia.
Col Lorenzo is my Great Grandfather on my Mother’s side, this is the first time I have had so much information about him on one site. If there is any further information about him, is there any info about him being gazette? Thank You
Thank you very much for this detailed summary of my Great Grandfather’s military and public history. My aunt and I are writing up our personal family story and will reference this fabulous account of his public life.