Frederick Lawrence Close
From Our Contribution
 Western Mail 2 Jul 1915 p.4 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | c1895 |
| Place of Birth | Bloemfontein, South Africa |
| Death | 4 May 1915 |
| Place of Death | Gallipoli Peninsula, Egypt |
| Age at Enlistment | 20 years old |
| Description |
5' 10½" (1.79m) tall ; 170 lbs 77.111 kg ; fair complexion ; grey eyes ; light brown hair |
| Occupation | Loco cleaner |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Address | Armadale, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Mother , Mrs Caroline O'Neil Close |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | 1601 |
| Date of Enlistment | 11 Jan 1915 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit/Formation | 16th Battalion, 3rd Reinforcement / 4th Brigade, 4th Division |
| Date of Embarkation | 22 Feb 1915 ‒ 24 Mar 1915 |
| Ship Embarked On | HMAT A50 Itonus |
| Fate | Killed in Action 4 May 1915 |
| Monument |
Kelmscott-Armadale Parish Roll of Honour Lone Pine Memorial Australian War Memorial |
| Medals |
1914-15 Star British War Medal Victory Medal |
Pre War
Parents lived in Armadale. No address in his records so we could assume that his permanent home was with his parents given his age. However, he first signed attestation papers in Kalgoorlie on 8 Jan 1915.
War Service
Frederick's Military records are minimal. He sailed from Fremantle aboard HMAT A50 Itonus on 22 Feb 1915 , and disembarked on 24 Mar 1915 in Egypt where he would have been given a period of training before he embarked for Lemnos Island, and then Anzac Cove. He would appear to have joined the 16th Battalion on 29 Apr 1915 as one of the 69 reinforcements to do so as the next reinforcements joined the battalion after his death. The 16th Battalion had landed at Gallipoli on the evening of the first day, so he and his reinforcement draft had travelled separated from the main body.
Fred was found dead on the field of combat on 4 May 1915, after which he was buried by Rev G. Moore. He was formally declared KIA on 21 Aug 1915. His probable date of death would have bene 2nd May 1915 as that is when his unit was engaged in attacking "Baby 700", with their withdrawal from the fighting occurring on 3 May 1915.
Commemorated on the Lone Pine Memorial at ANZAC Cove. Son of Frederick Charles and Caroline O'Neill Close, of Armadale, Western Australia. Native of Bloemfontein, South Africa.
Fred's father Frederick Charles Close served with the 10th Light Horse Regiment in the Middle East.
Post War
Sisters Ruby Lillian Close, Elinor Elizabeth Close, Isobel May Close, and Emily Gladys Close had their applications for pension rejected as they were not dependent on him. His mother, however was granted £26 per annum from 21 Aug 1915.
Notes