Private Frederick Holmes

 Thanks to Gary Mitchell for permission to share his Facebook post here on our blog.

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6 December 2021

A Forgotten Digger who served and suffered during The Great War resting at Sandgate Cemetery, Honour and Dignity restored.

103 years ago today, on the Friday afternoon of the 6th December 1918, Private Frederick Holmes, 35th Battalion (Reg No-2604), labourer (smelter), from First Street, Boolaroo, New South Wales, was laid to rest at Sandgate Cemetery, age 40. ANGLICAN 1-66. 64.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137492386 - funeral notice states service.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159365673 - funeral notice states service.

Born at Northampton, England about 1878, parents unknown, (brother Richard Holmes of 21 Brook Street, Northampton, England), Frederick enlisted August 1916 at Broadmeadow, N.S.W.

Invalided home July 1917 with paresis - right arm and leg, Frederick was discharged medically unfit on the 8th August 1917.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122223048 - report that Frederick not present for official welcome home and presentation by the Boolaroo District Soldiers' Farewell Committee.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123501961 - reported returned home and presented with a gold medal at the Boolaroo School of Arts.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134854865 - welcome home.

Mr. Holmes’s name has been inscribed on the Sulphide Corporation Pty Ltd Cockle Creek Works Roll of Honour. Name not inscribed on the Boolaroo District Roll of Honour.

Sadly, Mr. Holmes tried to commit suicide on the 16th October 1918 at Newcastle Beach, and died in Newcastle Hospital on the 4th December 1918.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159369672 - Lonely Soldier Dies in Hospital.

I located Frederick resting in an unmarked grave, another Forgotten Digger of The Great War, so December 2018 I placed a cross adorned with poppies on the gravesite, taken a photo of the grave and uploaded the photo onto the Northern Cemetery website as a permanent record of his service.

http://sandgate.northerncemeteries.com.au/.../index.php...

I submitted an application to DVA May 2019 asking for a Commonwealth War Graves Plaque, curbing and marble chip, and this was accepted September 2019.

Completed May 2020.

Lest We Forget.