Frank Sublet

Born in Meekatharra, Frank Henry Sublet enrolled as a student at UWA but did not complete a degree. He enlisted in the 2/16th Battalion in 1937, and during World War II, saw service in the Syria Campaign, where he was awarded the Military Cross Middle East in 1942, for ‘outstanding gallantry and initiative’, through ‘strong defensive fire’ in the Litani River battle. In New Guinea, he was mentioned in despatches for his ‘absolute disregard for his own personal safety’ in battle and he had ‘twice crossed the Owen Stanley Ranges’ with barely a rest. In Borneo, Balikpapan (1943), he was awarded the Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (Imperial) – Army-South West Pacific (1945), during the capture of Mount Malang in Balikpapan. ‘Throughout the day, he consistently set a high example of personal courage to his troops. The unqualified success of the battalion's work was undoubtedly due to Lt Col Sublet’s …masterly direction … of the plan of operation… he showed out as an outstandingly efficient, fearless, aggressive and balanced leader’.

In 1946, he was treated relatively leniently when he faced a court martial in Balikpapan for ‘borrowing’ a LaSalle Sedan, ‘property of the Commonwealth of Australia which had been entrusted to his care’. After a ‘severe reprimand’ and loss of 18 days’ pay, his army career continued. In 1947 he toured Australia as Inspector for the Commonwealth Department of Labour and National Service, assessing manpower availability and requirements. He retired in 1954 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Photograph from NAA B883 WX1598
Highgate RSL; The Blackwood Times 19 September 1947