Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Frederick Raymond John Ockenfels, Service Number 44523, was born on 13 October 1922 in Brisbane, Queensland, and resided at 25 Galway Street, Greenslopes at the time of enlistment. He was a Baptist, single, and employed as a sheet metal worker. Prior to enlistment he undertook a 4½ year apprenticeship with Waugh & Josephson in Brisbane, which was not completed, and had practical experience working with motors, including dismantling and rebuilding engines, along with approximately five months’ experience in an engineering factory.

On 2 January 1942 he applied for enlistment at No. 3 Recruiting Centre, Brisbane. On 21 January 1942 he underwent trade and aptitude assessment, receiving a score of 39 and being assessed as suitable for mechanical training, allocated to Trainee Group V. On 22 January 1942 he was enrolled in the Reserve of the Royal Australian Air Force, subject to medical and X-ray examination clearance. On 13 February 1942 he enlisted for active service in the Royal Australian Air Force at No. 3 Recruiting Centre, Brisbane, with the rank of Aircraftman Class I (AC1), mustered as Trainee Group V under engagement for the duration of the war and twelve months thereafter.

On 13 February 1942 he was posted from No. 3 Recruiting Centre to No. 2 Recruit Depot. Shortly thereafter he was posted from No. 2 Recruit Depot to No. 3 School of Technical Training. On 19 April 1942 he was posted from No. 3 School of Technical Training to No. 1 Engineering School at Ascot Vale. On 18 June 1942 he successfully completed No. 34 Course at No. 3 School of Technical Training with a pass result. On 23 June 1942 he was posted from No. 1 Engineering School to Central Flying School. On 1 October 1942 he was promoted to Leading Aircraftman (LAC). His mustering progressed along the Flight Mechanic training stream.

On 10 June 1943 he was posted to No. 30 Squadron. He continued service with No. 30 Squadron into early 1944, including operational service in the South West Pacific area. His service qualified him for the award of the 1939–1945 Star. His conduct record from 1942 through early 1944 contains multiple entries marked “Certified No Entry,” indicating no disciplinary offences during that period.

On 20 February 1944 he remained with No. 30 Squadron. On 17 April 1944 he was posted from No. 30 Squadron to No. 3 Embarkation Depot at Sandgate. He subsequently served at No. 3 Aircraft Depot, Amberley. Leave records show periods of leave including 27–28 July 1942 (2 days), multiple leave periods during 1944 including tropical leave entitlement, 26–29 July 1944 (4 days), and 20–27 December 1944 (8 days) with additional leave into early 1945.

On 25 September 1944, while at No. 3 Aircraft Depot, Amberley, he committed an offence under Air Force Act Section 40, conduct to the prejudice of good order and discipline, being improperly in possession of approximately half a gallon of petrol, the property of the public. On 28 September 1944 he committed a further offence at the same unit, being improperly in possession of an aircraft clock, also property of the public. For the offence dated 28 September 1944 he was awarded forfeiture of 14 days’ pay, the award being dated 17 October 1944. For the offence dated 25 September 1944 he was tried by District Court Martial and, on 1 November 1944, was sentenced to 60 days detention. During November to December 1944 he served this period of detention, with remission granted, and was released early on or about 15 December 1944. Conduct sheets subsequently record “Certified No Further Entry.”

Character assessments show that during early service his character was rated “Very Good” while under training. Later entries show his character as “Fair,” with no recommendation for promotion or reclassification. Final remarks indicate he was to resume civil occupation.
On 26 February 1945 he was posted to No. 3 Personnel Depot for discharge processing.

On 2 March 1945 he was discharged from the Royal Australian Air Force. His total period of service extended from 13 February 1942 to 2 March 1945, approximately three years. His final rank was Leading Aircraftman, his trade classification remained within the Flight Mechanic training stream, and his service included operational duty with No. 30 Squadron, for which he was awarded the 1939–1945 Star.