Gilbert Charles Fry

Submitted by Mt Kembla Minin... on Tue, 07/02/2017 - 11:24

First Name:

Gilbert

Middle Name:

Charles

Last Name:

Fry

Date of Birth:

Friday, July 25, 1873

Mother's Name:

Elizabeth Fry nee Jones

Father's Name:

Henry Fry

Date Enlisted:

Monday, January 24, 1916

Rank at Enlistment:

Private

Rank at Discharge:

Private

Unit:

36th Battalion

Company:

Service:

Infantry

Awards:

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Date of Death:

Tuesday, May 12, 1953

Details:

Gilbert Fry (Service No 454) was born in Bulli, N.S.W. On 22nd July 1907 he married Mary Bertram at Corrimal, N.S.W. The couple moved to Eden, N.S.W. where Gilbert worked as a pilot and boatman.

Prior to his successful enlistment on 24th January 1916, Gilbert had attempted to enlist, but had been rejected due to 'physical dificiency'. Gilbert was 42 years old when he was accepted into the AIF.

He embarked from Sydney on HMAT A72 Beltana with 36th battalion, B Company on 13th May 1916. The troops arrived in England on 9th July 1916 and Gilbert joined 36th Battalion in France on 22nd November 1916.

On 10th January 1917 he was admitted to hospital sick with debility. This was found to be due to his age and his physical condition, and he was subsequently returned to Australia in May 1917. He was discharged medically unfit on 29th August 1917.

Gilbert died in Sydney in 1953 and is buried in Mona Vale Cemetery.

Gilbert's service is commemorated on the Bulli-Woonona War Memorial.

Sources:

NAA: B2455, FRY G C