Francis Richards Mather was born Ballarat and was a Tailor by trade when he enlisted in the
6th Battalion, 12th Reinforcement on 17 July 1915 at the age of 21. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A40 Ceramic on 23 November 1915.

He was quickly struck with appendicitis and evacuated to the 4th Northern General Hospital in England. By September 1916 he had recovered sufficiently to join his 6th Battalion in the field. In July 1918 he performed so bravely that he was awarded a Military Medal æfor conspicuous gallantry on the 7th July 1918 near MERRIS. This NCO was one of a small party which boldly raided an enemy post in broad daylight. The enemy were alert and afforded a vigorous resistance, throwing showers of bombs at the party. Corporal MATHER dashed gallantly forward, carrying his section onward. They rushed the post and those in it who were not killed were taken prisoner. A machine gun was also captured in this post'. He returned to Australia on the Karagola and disembarked on June 12th 1919.

Tree No. 1371