Frederick Septimus Kelly was born in Australia in 1881. Educated at Eton and Oxford University he was an outstanding sportsman. He won the Diamond Sculls at Henley in 1902, 1903 and 1905. He was also a member of the gold winning team at the London Olympics in 1908.

On the outbreak of the First World War he joined the British Army. In 1915 he fought at Gallipoli and won the Distinguished Service Cross for conspicuous gallantry.

Frederick Septimus Kelly was killed at Beaucourt-sur-Ancre on 13th November, 1916.