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Francis WilliamVere Cabrera - Information

The Cabrera family owned a property called Varleigh in Thirlmere. Francis was born and raised here, brought into the world on the 2nd of July 1898. He served in the Cadets and later worked as a clerk. During the war years, Francis had tried to enlist on numerous occasions. He was finally accepted on the 17th of June 1918 in Sydney, aged 19. He trained at the M & D Depot in Liverpool, and was allocated to the 12th NSW General Service Reinforcements. He departed Sydney on the 17th of July 1918 upon the HMAT Borda.

Francis landed in London in late September, and was marched out to the 5th Training Battalion. Here, he was assigned to the 18th Battalion. After the war ended, Francis was transported to France, joining the 18th Battalion in late January 1919. In March, he was transferred to the 20th Australian Army Service Corps in Belgium. Francis was taken back to England in June. After enjoying some leave, he was taken on strength to AIF Headquarters in London. There, for two weeks in September, he completed duty with the 2nd Division Train before he was sent home. Francis returned to Thirlmere, reuniting with his family.