Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Frederick Albert Harradine
Born on the 21st January 1913, Frederick was the second son of Vincent and Ruby Harradine’s three boys to enlist. He was the fourth born of nine children, his siblings being Walter, Vincent, Doris, Ernest, Lorna, Norman, Alan and Jean. All three older sons were actively involved in the Australian Military Forces with Fred being S50691. He became engaged to Leila Phillips in June of 1934 and married two months later on the 11th August in Adelaide. Fred and Leila were the first to have grandchildren for Vince and Ruby. They were a little grand-daughter, Gwenneth May in August of 1935 and grandson, Reg on July 30th, 1937.
Alan, the youngest of the boys, was the first to enlist in 1941, aged 22, being in Egypt when he received the devastating news that eight-year-old Gwennie had died in October 1943. Just less than a year prior to the anniversary of her death, Fred, then also enlisted on the 7th October in 1943, aged 30. He became Private SX32830. Each year Fred’s family remembered Gwennie with tributes in the local Advertiser- 1943 ‘HARRADINE. —Fondest memory our darling daughter Gwennie, fell asleep October 23, 1942. These words are few, but, oh, so true; Gwennie. dear, how we miss you. —Longed for always by her loving mum, dad, and brother Reg. HARRADINE. —In loving memory of my darling daughter, Gwennie, passed away Oct. 23, 1942. Not today, but every day, in silence I remember—Inserted by loving father (A.I.F. somewhere in Aust.).
Where-ever he was posted, Fred continued to remember his daughter: 1944 In loving memory of my darling Gwen, passed away Oct 23. 1942. ‘Twas early in the morning God walked among His flowers. He picked the rarest or them all, that darling child was ours. Longed for always by her loving father (A.I.F.) Australia. HARRADINE. —In fond memory of our darling Gwenneth who fell asleep October 23. 1923. A cluster of loving memories, the bravest our hearts can frame. We'll weave them in a garland and entwine them round your name. —Sadly missed, by her loving mum, dad and brother Reg.
Fred was discharged in January of 1946. Post war, he initially worked for Burns Philip and Company as a storeman/packer in Adelaide but after 17 months was retrenched with his record stating he was a reliable worker. He died on the 31st March 1966, just after his 53rd birthday. Fred is commemorated at Centennial Park where both his parents and serving brothers are also buried. Fred’s memorial pays tribute to his years of service during WWII.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133 2/48th Battalion.