Frederick Norman SMITH (NX20408)

Fred was born on the 18th of June 1905 in Sydney, NSW, Australia. He was the seventh child and third son of of Walter SMITH (1858-1927) and Elizabeth Frazer SCOTT (1870-1948).

He grew up in the suburb of Paddington and married Ella. On enlistment he gave his occupation as Wardsman which in 1998 was defined as someone who is required to undertake limited duties associated with the care of patients such as preoperative
shave, bathing of patients, general assistance in wards and cleaning duties. One can supposed that his role would have been similar in the 1930s.

On the 5th of June 1940, at the age of 34, Fred enlisted in the A.I.F. At that time he was already serving in the 8th Field Ambulance Militia. On his enlistment papers he is described as being 5 ft 6 1/2 inches tall with blue eyes and fair hair.

As a Bearer Officer in the 2/4th Field Ambulance Fred saw action in the Middle East (1940-1942), New Guinea (1942-1944) and Borneo (1945-1945). His service papers indicate that in March 1943 Fred was sent to the 2/2 Australian General Hospital suffering from malaria. Fred was mentioned in dispatches, and this mention appeared in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 23 December 1943. The citation states that it was for "gallant and distinguished services S.W.P (South West Pacific). Area". In December, Fred also received his officer's commission; at the time of his citation Fred had attained the rank of Sergeant and would be further promoted to Lieutenant prior to his discharge.

At the age of 40, Fred was given a long service release and discharged from the army on 20 October 1945.

Fred passed away on Remembrance Day, 11 November 1964 at the War Memorial in Canberra.

References / Further Research:

• Service Record of Frederick Norman Smith NX20408, National Archives of Australia, 2002/04608374, 4642247
• Sweeting, A. J. (Bill) The 2/4th Field Ambulance A.I.F. during the Owen Stanleys campaign 1942 : memories of Sgt. A.J. (Bill) Sweeting M.B.E, Australian War Memorial, F 940.548194 S974s
• Digger History, An Unofficial History of the Australian & NZ Armed Services (http://www.diggerhistory.info/)

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