Simon Waters shares the story of his grandfather Francis Trinca.

Frank was a doctor in the AFA attached to the 1st Light Horse and later the 2nd. He saw action in the Middle East with some distinction and, as it happens, the brave exploits of the Aussie troops were recorded for posterity. A map is attached which was drawn in colour on the very day he was decorated. I have inserted a photo of my grandfather as well as the notes in red.

The battle of Abu Tellul was critical in holding territory to allow the main allied forces to move from the Jordan Valley towards the final capture of Jerusalem at the end of the war. Frank, as he was known in the family, was at El Mussallabeh hill (marked at the top of the map), attached to the Australian 2nd Light Horse. The German and Turkish units can be seen in aqua, attacking the Australian positions (red numbers).

He won the MC for rescuing wounded soldiers under enemy fire, against orders.