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| Sergeant Francis John Craig Photo: Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19150805-40-17 |
After the Australian and New Zealander Forces established themselves at Gallipoli in WWI, the campaign dragged on for many months. During that time, four men from Otautau & Districts lost their lives: Francis Craig, Frederick Grant-Ussher, Harry Moffat and Edward Thomas.
Francis John Craig, service number 8/335, was born in Lawrence to Rosina & Robert Craig in 1894. He worked as a fruit grower and at the motor garage in Otautau.
Francis John Craig, service number 8/335, was born in Lawrence to Rosina & Robert Craig in 1894. He worked as a fruit grower and at the motor garage in Otautau.
Sergeant Craig was one of the first to enlist from Otautau on 14 Aug 1914, ten days after Britain declared war on Germany.
His time in the military was brief and brutal. Serving with the Otago Infantry Battalion, the 21-year old was killed in action at Pope’s Hill, Gallipoli, 2 May 1915 under heavy Turkish bombardment.
Frank's older brother, Wesley Stewart Hugh, enlisted in 1917 and served until the war's end. He was discharged in 1919.
The Craigs were members of the Presbyterian Church.
Frank's older brother, Wesley Stewart Hugh, enlisted in 1917 and served until the war's end. He was discharged in 1919.
The Craigs were members of the Presbyterian Church.
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