Frederick Lawrence Close
From Our Contribution
 Western Mail 2 Jul 1915 p.4 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | Not known |
| 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; weight 170 lbs (77.1 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 |
| 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 landed at Gallipoli in the evening of the first day, and was found dead on the field of combat on 4 May 1915, after which he was buried by Rev G. Moore.
Seemingly one of the 69 reinforcements that were taken on strength by the 16th Battalion on the 29th April as the next group to join the 16th did so after his death.
Formally declared KIA on 21 Aug 1915. His probable date of death would be 2nd May as that is when his unit was engaged in attacking "Baby 700".
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 dependant on him. His mother, however was granted £26 per annum from 21 Aug 1915.
Notes