Frank Ohlfsen Bayley
Rank:
Leading Signalman
Serial No:
Serial No. 7364
Regiment:
HMAS Melbourne
Suburb:
Campbelltown
Frank Ohlfsen Bayley - Information
Frank joined the Navy before the war began, on the 6th of August 1909. He was born in Paddington on the 2nd of July 1890 to Frank Henry and Herminie Bayley. He signed up for service on the 6th of August 1909 (No. 1349), and embarked on the HMS Challenger. On the 1st of December 1910, Frank re-upped and again left for duty upon the Challenger. Frank was appointed as a Signalman at London Depot of the 1st of January 1913. He was then promoted to Leading Signalman while onboard the light cruiser HMAS Melbourne on the 18th of January.
When the war started in 1914, Frank was still serving onboard the Melbourne. The cruiser was ordered into action, serving as part of the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force. Their first task was to help capture German New Guinea. The Melbourne then patrolled the seas for German ships and U-boats. In 1916, while serving on the ship, Frank became very ill. When they docked, he was taken sick to a London Depot. Despite doctors' best efforts, Frank died from illness on the 7th of March 1916. He was then buried at Gillingham (Woodlands) Cemetery in England. Frank's name sits proudly on the roll of honour at Dredge's Cottage in Campbelltown.