FOX, Frederick William Albert

Frederick was the eldest child of William and Mary Fox of Ashfield Orchard, Inverell.  His birth was registered at Inverell in 1896.  He attended Beaulieu and Ross Hill Public Schools before becoming an apprentice Carpenter at Inverell. At the age of 20, and with his parents permission to serve overseas, Frederick enlisted at Inverell in January 1916.  At the time he was working at Inverell as a Carpenter for Mr. Ben Wade.

Frederick joined the 36th Battalion, B Company and sailed from Australia for England on the transport ship HMAT A72 Beltana in May 1916.  After arriving in England he was unwell and did not go to France until April 1917.  Frederick was wounded in Action on 12 October 1917 during the Battle of Passchendale and died of his wounds two days later.  His burial took place at Nine Elms British Cemetery, Poperinghe, Belgium. His few remaining personal possessions were returned to his Mother and included letters, cards, photos, wallet and a metal cigarette case.

At Inverell Private Frederick Fox has his name inscribed on the town’s Honor Roll and Cenotaph.  In 1919 he was one of the men for whom a memorial tree was planted in Kurrajong Parade, Inverell. His name is also recorded on Rolls of Honor at the Inverell Anglican Church, at Beaulieu, Ross Hill Public School and Inverell Intermediate High School.

Photo: Australian War Memorial PO7181.001