Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

"Death of Sergt. Fred. Earp in Action

We have to record with profound regret the sad news of the death of wounds received in action during recent operations on the Western Front of Sergeant Fred Earp, eldest son of Mr and Mrs James Earp, High Street, Penrith, advices of the gallant young soldier's regretted, but heroic decease having been conveyed, per cable forwarded the Rev M. G. Hinsby for transmission to the bereaved parents and family on Tuesday last (5th inst). It had been previously cabled that Sergt. Earp had been listed as "missing," and the tragic news of his death, following within a short period of the earlier (and erroneous) intelligence, came as a doubly cruel shock to the sorrowing parents and family of the deceased. The news of Sergt Fred Earp's death cast a heavy gloom over Penrith, for the brave and genial young soldier had been ever a favorite with the townspeople, who recalled his blythe, pleasant youthful personality and obliging disposition, and many a poignant heart-pang was felt and general sympathy expressed with the bereaved family circle.

The late Sergt. Earp was in his 24th year, and was a native of Penrith. He enlisted some two years ago, and after a period of preliminary training at Liverpool camp, sailed with his battalion for Egypt, where he underwent a further period of strenuous training. Thence he was transferred, with other details, to Salisbury Camp, England, after which he was sent to take part in the operations on the Western Front. In the course of strenuous fighting he was wounded slightly on the face, but after having his wound dressed returned to the first line before Armentieres. Seven days later, however, he was severely wounded, sustaining a rifle shot wound in one of his arms, and being hit by shrapnel on the other arm, which he had sprained in falling. This casualty caused his enforced retirement for several months for hospital treatment in England, from which country he wrote cheery letters home speaking in highly appreciative terms of the universal kindness shown Australian soldiers by the British people. In January last Sergt. Earp returned to the front, and took part in several important operations, during which he comported himself with greatest valor and fortitude. He took part in various phases of the Anglo-French Advance, and in that valiant enterprise paid the last great sacrifice of the heroic soldier, to the cause of the country and Empire he had served so nobly and so well. Sergt. Earp also took part in the Battle of Pozieres last year, where the Australians did such magnificent work. Standing in spirit by the hallowed graveplot of this heroic high-souled young soldier, we may well ponder o'er again the lines of the ancient poet —

"Tread lightly here, and pause in reverent pride, For here a hero sleeps who for his country died." - from the Penrith Napean Times 09 Jun 1917 (nla.gov.au)