The Lost Diggers of Fromelles

A Joint Project by St Clare's College and St Mary's Cathedral College

Frank Johnston witness statement for Herbert Nutsy Bolt

As the great grandson of Frank Johnston I am very proud of his statement regarding Nutsy's death. It is very nice and quite amazing that my family has reconnected with Nutsy's family after so long, thanks to this website. I am sure that both Herb and Frank would both whole hardheartedly agree.
Frank was about 35 so quite a lot older than Nutsy (22), but being a good rugby player himself in his younger days they would have quickly connected. From their enlistment thru to the end it seems they were close.
Franks account of what happened to Herb is shown above. Frank got shot twice soon after Nutsy. One bullet shot out a lung and the other hit him in the heart. He was left for dead. But a small bible in his breast pocket stopped the bullet from killing him - Frank came so close to have been lost, just like Nutsy. I am sure he thought about that many times throughout the remainder of his life.
Frank was able to drag himself back towards safety, also helping another wounded soldier along the way. He was eventually found. Unfortunately the details are sketchy and it would be great to somehow learn more. For his efforts he was recommended for the Military Medal. But the note from his commander got lost during the mayhem. Frank did not follow up on it as he did not like fuss and probably felt an element of guilt and regret.
It took a year for Frank to recover and he lived to about 86. My father would often have holidays at Grandpa Frank's house in Cronulla. At the beach he would look in awe at the huge wound in Franks back.

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Comment by Michael Burden on June 15, 2014 at 21:32
Great tribute Mal. Thanks a million for sharing.

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