Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

"Another Nambucca Victim. PRIVATE FRED. A. WILKES.

On Tuesday Rev. C. R. Wilson, Anglican, received a cable from the military authorities requesting him to inform Mr. and Mrs. T. F. Wilkes, of Simpson's Ridge, Bowraville, that their son, private Frederick A. Wilkes, of the 53rd Battalion, had been killed in action on March 21st. Two of the Wilkes brothers, Walter, aged 36 and Fred, aged 23, enlisted in Macksville early in 1916. Another brother, George, also offered his services for his King and country, but was not accepted. The two who succeeded left home together and were not parted while in camp. They also journeyed to England in the same transport. While in camp in this State, Walter received promotion, and he still holds the rank of corporal. They both — as well as the whole of the family — are well-known on the river and highly respected. After going to France the brothers were separated for a time. Corporal Walter was wounded and gassed-reference to which was made at the time in the "News." He went to a London hospital for treatment and when sufficiently strong was appointed a member of the Military police in London. He subsequently applied for a transfer back to his own regiment and was soon again with his company in France. To the joy of the two brothers they were again together in the fighting line. It is presumed that private Fred Wilkes fell during the recent big push. The brothers spent a short holiday together in London and while there wrote to their parents. Last week quite a budget of letters were received from them and when writing they were in high spirits and good health. The sympathy of the public go out to the parents and members of the family in their bereavement." - from the Nambucca and Bellinger News 12 Apr 1918 (nla.gov.au)