SNOW, Frank Noel MC (1891-1970)
Frank Noel Snow was born on 17 June 1891, the son of John Snow and Emily Lark nee Piper), of Ballarat. He attended Ballarat College and was enrolled as a boarder at Geelong College in 1905, and spent three years with the 19th Light Horse Regiment (Victoria), as a Trooper (6 months), Sergeant (12 months), and 2nd Lieutenant (18 months).
During World War I, he enlisted in the AIF, and embarked on 12 October 1915 on HMAT A4 Pera. He served firstly with the 1st Light Horse from 9 February 1916, then transferred to 15th FAB on 24 October. He crossed to France on 20 March 1917, and transferred to 2nd DAC on 2 June. He was promoted Captain on 1 September 1917, he was at RBAA Heytesbury on 26 October, and returned to France on 3 March 1918, where he was promoted T/Major on 20 October 1918. He took leave to England in February 1919.
He was awarded the Military Cross, whilst serving with 102nd (Howitzer) Battery, 2nd Field Artillery Brigade, gazetted 3 June 1919, the citation read:
'Owing to casualties during our recent offensive operation from 16 September to 11 November 1918 this officer was called upon at short notice to fulfil the duties in turn of Battery Commander of each of the batteries of this Brigade. The courage, initiative and determination shown by him in the handling of these units in each case was most marked and was the means of obtaining the most efficient results from the units concerned. During the attack on the Hindenburg Line he showed great courage and determination in taking his battery forward during a halt in the barrage on the first objective to a position in the vicinity of the ‘jumping off’ line in time to carry on with the barrage for the taking of the second objective. Captain Snow went forward fifty minutes after zero hour to reconnoitre for a battery position and had to pass through an area which was subjected to a heavy enemy barrage. He thus had everything ready on the arrival of his Battery at the position about an hour later to carry on with the barrage. On the night 2nd/3rd October near Nauroy when the 5th Battery and adjoining area were subjected to heavy shell fire from Gas and HE causing serious casualties to all the officers of that battery he at great personal risk, went across and took charge of a situation which called for prompt initiative and resource. By his presence he encouraged the men under extremely difficult circumstances and the barrage which was covering the infantry advance was maintained throughout.'
The Australian War Memorial (AWM) Collection holds a formal group portrait of officers of the Australian Light Horse who attended a course at No. 17 School of Instruction, Marrickville, NSW, between 8 February and 6 March 1915 which includes F N Snow.
Frank Snow returned to Australia on HMT Dunluce Castle, embarking on 16 March 1919, and arriving on 15 May. His younger brother, Sapper Gordon Keith Snow served with the 9th Field Company Engineers, embarking on 5 July 1916 on HMAT A31 Ajana from Sydney.
He died on 29 September 1970. The Canberra Times reported his death: 'Mr. Frank Noel Snow, of Cuppacumbalong', died yesterday aged 79.
Mr Snow bought the property in 1924. It comprises about a third of 22,000 acres of freehold land the Government intends to resume for the Tuggeranong development.
He concentrated on hereford cattle and 'Cuppacumbalong', now under two companies, has become one of the leading hereford studs in Australia and Mr Snow was patron of the Australian Hereford Society at the time of his death. He was on the land in the Ballarat and Albury districts before taking up 'Cuppacumbalong'.
He is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.
A funeral service at St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Forrest, at 11.30 am tomorrow will be followed by a private cremation.'
Sources: Canberra Times 30 September 1970 p8; Geelong Collegians at the Great War compiled by James Affleck. p 315 (citing The Pegasus; National Archives; AWM P02447.001; E03981).