honor role

Moseley, Francis Arnold

MC Lieut 16th Bn. B.A. Oxford.

Born Perth, WA, Presbyterian.  Enlisted 18 January 1916 age 32, barrister/solicitor. Nok his father, Francis Moseley, a prominent citizen of Cottesloe. Embarked at Fremantle 13 October 1916 per A23 Suffolk.  Served in France 1917-1918 and reported an unspecified debility 11 August 1917.  In September 1919 Francis required an early discharge in England to take up a ‘berth’ with the legal firm at Albany Courtyard, Piccadilly, London with an annual salary of £400.  He was discharged in England at his own request on 22 November 1919. In March 1936 he was writing from the Bath Club, Dover St, London.  Service medals and award: Military Cross on 3 June 1919 see: Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No. 109 dated 15 September 1919.  London Gazette 5th supplement No. 31370 dated 3 June 1919. Citation for his Military Cross: ‘This officer is brought to notice for continuous gallant conduct and devotion to duty for the periods 17 September 1918 – 31 December 1918. To quote one of the instances where this officer has totally disregarded personal safety in the interests of his task and the men he has led, would be at the Le Verguier on 18 September 1918. Lieutenant Moseley during daylight made a very daring reconnaissance and succeeded in gaining very valuable information as to enemy dispositions and strength, which materially assisted in the planning and carrying out the part of his company and incidentally, the Battalion, were to play in the operation. He led his men very gallantly and the knowledge he had gained during his reconnaissance was undoubtedly the main reason of his company sustaining a minimum of casualties and being so successful in the attack. This officer has always been very efficient and he has never failed to inspire his men with confidence in all their undertakings, and is strongly recommended for distinction.’ Award and service medals: MC, BWM and VM. He was a member of the pre-WW1 Cottesloe Claremont Rifle Club and in 1935, Captain F. A. Moseley MC, was Attorney General to the Nyasaland Government.   In 1938 he was Mr Justice F. A. Moseley, Supreme Court, Colombo, Ceylon.  Photograph of him at Adelaide University is in the Western Mail 27 January 1899.

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