Brian Lawler shares the story of his father’s elder brother, Francis Michael Lawler.

Francis Lawler was one of the more than 1,200 Australians who died in the battle of Villers-Bretonneux. He was 33 years old.

The Australian flag is still flown over Villers-Bretonneux in recognition of the Australians’ sacrifice. The main street is name ‘Rue de Melbourne’, and kangaroos adorn the entrance to the town hall.

One German officer wrote of the Australians’ attack at Villers-Bretonneux: ‘[they were] were magnificent, nothing seemed to stop them. When our fire was heaviest, they just disappeared in shell holes and came up as soon as it slackened.’

Francis is laid to rest at Ration Farm Military Cemetery, La Chapelle-d’Armentieres. Brian visited his resting place in 2012, which he says was a very emotional experience.

Brian has another uncle, Jack, who made it home from World War One, but died of mustard gas poisoning at Heidelberg Repat. Hospital. Brian notes that his grandfather’s brother, James, had a son who was also named Francis Michael, who died around the same time and is buried at Ypres Menin Gate Memorial.