SADLER, Frank Joseph
| Service Number: | 36858 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 22 May 1941 |
| Last Rank: | Corporal |
| Last Unit: | No. 10 Squadron (RAF) |
| Born: | Manly, New South Wales, Australia, 11 October 1921 |
| Home Town: | Marrickville, Marrickville, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | West Manly Public School, New South Wales, Australia |
| Occupation: | Truck Driver |
| Died: | Pampoolah, Mid-Coast Council, New South Wales, Australia , 14 October 2001, aged 80 years, cause of death not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: |
Manning Great Lakes Memorial Gardens, New South Wales, Australia Portion: RGn1 Row: 1-21D |
| Memorials: |
World War 2 Service
| 22 May 1941: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Corporal, 36858 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Feb 1942: | Transferred Royal Air Force , Aircraftman 2, No. 10 Squadron (RAF), Plymoth and Devon, United Kingdom | |
| 1 Aug 1942: | Promoted Royal Air Force , Leading Aircraftman | |
| 1 Jan 1944: | Promoted Royal Air Force , Corporal | |
| 14 Jan 1946: | Discharged Royal Australian Air Force, Corporal, 36858 |
Help us honour Frank Joseph Sadler's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Add my storyBiography contributed by Jeffery Lyons
In the coastal town of Manly, New South Wales, on 11th October 1921, the world welcomed a boy named Frank Joseph Sadler. Frank's early years were shaped by the picturesque landscapes of Manly and the nurturing care of his stepmother, Beatrice Sandler nee Shutte. After the tender age of 4, she became the guiding star in his life, providing love and stability from their home at 8 Perry Street, Marrickville.
Frank's days at West Manly Public School from 1927 to 1934 were filled with the camaraderie of football and the thrill of rugby union. His spirit was unyielding, a trait that served him throughout life. After school, young Frank became the familiar face driving around Marrickville, working for Shelly & Sons cordial factory.
In the tapestry of Frank's life, one thread shone the brightest – his beloved wife, Emily Doreen Jennings. Born on 15th August 1920, Emily was his anchor. Their love story is symbolized by their daughter, Gloria Jean Sadler, who was born in the picturesque locales of Devon, England, on 9th April 1943.
The winds of World War II saw Frank enlisting in the Royal Australian Air Force on 22 May 1941, at the age of 19 years and 7 months. With the service number 3685, he initially joined as an Aircraft Hand. His dedication saw him rise through the ranks, becoming a Leading Aircraftman on 1st August 1942 and then a Corporal on 1st January 1944. His postings included the cities of Plymouth and Devon in the United Kingdom, where he served between 1942 and October 1945. It was during these tumultuous times that Frank's family saw a new addition, with the birth of Gloria in Devon.
Frank's service for his nation was decorated with several honours and awards, including the Defence Medal, the War Medal 1939-45, the Australian Service Medal 1939-45, and the Returned from Active Service Badge. On 14th January 1946, he was honourably discharged, having served not only during the war but also a year following its end.
Post the war, the gentle breeze of peace took the Sadler family to 17 Randle Street, Newtown in Sydney, where they built a life filled with cherished moments.
Unfortunately, life wasn't without its trials. The family faced a heart-wrenching loss with the passing of Emily on 3rd September 1978. She was cremated at Palmdale Lawn Cemetery in NSW, and although the location of her ashes is unknown, her memories remain eternal.
Frank's journey on earth concluded on 14th October 2001 in Mid Coast New South Wales. Today, a plaque stands in the serene Manning Great Lakes Memorial Gardens, bearing his name. It reads:
"In loving memories of
FRANK JOSEPH SADLER
11.10.1921 - 14.10.2001
Love is where the heart is
"I did it my way""
Frank's life story is a testament to resilience, love, and the spirit of doing things one's own way. He remains a beacon of inspiration for all who remember him.
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