Francis William Whiting MM (SN 4623) was born in Ballarat where he enlisted on 17th July 1915. He was 21 years old, single, a pastry cook. He joined the 8th Infantry Battalion and embarked in January 1916 aboard the Themistocles. On arrival in Egypt, he was transferred to the 58th Infantry Battalion and promoted to Corporal. He reached France in June, where he was wounded, and evacuated to hospital in England. He did not return to France until May 1917. In August 1918 his gallantry earned him a Military Medal when he ‘rendered most valuable assistance in doing patrol work in front of the advance, locating and capturing enemy machine gun posts. His skilful leadership set a very high standard.’ On September 29th 1918 he was killed in action near St Quentin Canal, and is buried in Bellicourt British Cemetery, Aisne, France.