Photograph of Fred from The Ashton Reporter 20/8/1942
(L to R) 1939–1945 Star; Pacific Star; Defence Medal; War Medal 1939–1945
Fred was born on the 13th October 1916. His father was called John and his mother was called Elizabeth and they lived in Dukinfield. As a boy Fred attended Crescent Road School, and later worked for Messrs. Arnott, a Manchester firm of contractors.
At the outbreak of the Second World War Fred was living with his wife Elsie at 15 Princess Street, Dukinfield. He joined the Army in 1939 and was given service number 3534048. At some point he sailed to join the 1st Battalion of the Manchester Regiment in Singapore. He was captured on the 15th February 1942 when the island fell to Japanese forces.
Following his capture he was one of the soldiers made to work on the Burma Railway. In August 1943 his wife received a postcard from Fred saying, “I am a prisoner of war. I came through sound and well. Don’t worry, I am in good health. All my love.”
Sadly, by the time Elsie received the postcard Fred had already died of Cholera on the 21st July 1943. He was 26 years old. He is commemorated at Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery in Myanmar. He is one of 3626 who are buried there, of whom 184 served with the Manchester Regiment.
Fred’s medals were donated to the museum collections in 2014.
