The story behind WWI soldier’s unmarked Nambour grave

History article by Kathryn Simpson

Returned World War One soldier and Noosa ‘hermit’ Frank Parr of the 2nd Australian Remount Unit lies in an unmarked grave in the Nambour Garden Cemetery.

In Noosa, Frank was known as a polite, eccentric and reclusive former journalist. He died without family or friends in Nambour hospital on 19 July, 1962 from cerebral haemorrhage, age 75.

Frank Parr, a station book-keeper, was rejected for enlistment on medical grounds four times before acceptance in the non-fighting 2nd Remount Unit, in Sydney, on 8 October 1915. The Remount Unit was created to take charge of the horses (left behind in Egypt) of the Light Horse Regiments acting as infantry in Gallipoli. Men were recruited for their horsemanship and Frank’s experience as a station hand and drover in Queensland and the Northern territory, fitted the bill.

The Australian Remount Units arrived in Egypt on 8 December,1915 however the plan for evacuation of Gallipoli meant that the original work intended for the Remount Unit was not required.

The Imperial authorities decided to make use of the Australian Remount Unit, forming a new depot where they took charge of horses and mules, breaking them in and training them for battle.

In March 1916, when the Remount Unit was reduced by half, Frank was selected to join the newly formed ANZAC Provost Corps created to maintain order in Egypt after the huge influx of reinforcements. In November 1916, he was transferred to the Australian branch of the British Red Cross in Cairo. Despite health issues, he continued his work with the Red Cross until August 1919.

Frank Parr provided useful and varied war service in the Remount Depot, the military police and the Red Cross. His service is worthy of recognition on his grave - Lest We Forget.

There is no headstone/ memorial in place for William’s site which is indicated above in red.