The Attestation forms that can be viewed in the record for Frederick in Discovering Anzacs state that he was born in Ringwood and enlisted in Melbourne. He was born in 1886 and was 29 years 6 months when he enlisted. His father, Martin Anderson was listed as next of kin and the address on the form was Vermont Post Office. Frederick's occupation was listed as orchardist.
The Medical Report describes Frederick's height as 5 feet 5 1/4 inches, weight 154 lbs, complexion medium, eyes blue and hair brown. Religious denomination was given as Methodist. He was passed fit for service on 15 June 1916 and appointed to 5th Reinforcements, 2nd Pioneer Battallion,Seymour on 15 August 1916. The following link provides information about the Second Australian Pioneer Battalion AIF.
Frederick embarked aboard HMAT Karoo A10 on 18 September 1916 and diembarked at Plymouth on 15 November. They proceeded to France from Folkstone aboard the Princess Victoria on 31 December 1916 arriving on 1 January 1917.
Frederick Anderson was awarded the Military Medal for action in the Battle of Montbrehain on 5 October 1918. This was the final battle in which Australians were involved. One of the papers in Frederick Anderson's file describes his actions.
Private Frederick Martin Anderson
On the morning of 5th October 1918, near MONTBREHAIN,
north of St Quentin he acted as a stretcher bearer for his platoon. Throughout
the whole of the operations this man greatly distinguished himself by his
gallantry and devotion to duty in bandaging and in bringing in wounded, may
times rescued under exceptionally heavy point blank enemy fire – regardless of
the danger to which he exposed himself. He was instrumental in saving the lives
of many of his comrades.
A number of websites provide information about the battle:
Battle of Montbrehain
Fourth Australian Division Memorial
Montbrehain - last Australian battle
Frederick emarked on the Chemnitz to return to Australia on 7 July 1919 and disembarked at Melbourne on 5 September 1919. Trove includes two articles from The Argus regarding the return of the troops.
TROOPS RETURNING Two Disembarkations To-day
Two contingents of Victorian troops will disembark at Port
Melbourne to-day. The men from the s.s. Chemnitz will land at 10 o'clock, and
those from the s.s. Prinz Ludwig at 4 o'clock. In each case they will be taken
to the A.I.F. depot, where relatives and friends should await their arrival.
Nearly 700 men are returning on the s.s. Chemnitz, and about 300 on the s s
Prinz Ludwig, and in order that they may be conveyed to the depot in comfort
motorists are urged to assist. Those willing to do so should assemble at the
new pier at the hours mentioned. Nearly 200 cars will be required.
The Argus 5 September 1919 page 8
TROOPS
RETURNING Two Disembarkations Yesterday
Over 1000
men returned on the transports Chemnitz and Prinz Ludwig yesterday. They were
given a cordial welcome by members of the public and at the A I F depot where
they were taken for final examination, they met relatives and friends.
The Argus 6 September 1919 page 18
Frederick Martin Anderson was awarded
the Military Medal (Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 17th October 1919)
the British War Medal
the Victory Medal
the 1914/15 Star
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