Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Husband of Burnadetta LOCKWOOD, 25 Mary Street, St. Kilda, Victoria.

Fred is a veteran of the Second World War. At age 15, he began working for Dalgety’s car dealership in Adelaide – he even drove a very early electric car there in the 1930s. He also worked for a jeweller and as a jackeroo.

In March 1943, Fred enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy and was a stoker first class. He worked on the supply ship HMAS Coolebar, a repurposed maritime steamship, built in 1911. This old ship ferried vital supplies from Darwin to front line troops through Papua New Guinea waters and the lower Netherlands East Indies (Indonesian) islands. Fred says ‘if I didn’t shovel coal, the ship didn’t move. If the ship didn't move, those that needed the supplies never got them, it was a team effort all round’. The victory in ‘the islands’ was only possible because of the logistical effort and the safe transfer of men and munitions, food and fuel by sea from Australia to where it was needed.

Fred says he was lucky that he saw no live action, but they were always ready for a fight. They had a gun on deck and never went anywhere without a proper warship escorting them.

Fred was discharged from the RAN in September 1945. After the war, he went back to the country and did furniture restoration and French polishing. He also ran a milk run in Yarrawonga during the early 1960s. He then moved to Adelaide and worked for Luxaflex until he retired in 1985.

Fred married Glenys in 1975 and has 3 children and 2 step-children. He now has a large extended family. Sadly, Glenys passed away in 2005.

When Fred was younger, he enjoyed fishing, horse riding and caravanning around Australia with Glenys. He helped children ride horses through Riding for the Disabled. He now likes Aussie Rules, country music and reminiscing about his past.

Fred lived in his own home until he was 98 years old. He credits his long life to taking care of himself, making peace with himself, and accepting help when needed.