BENNETT, Fred
| Service Number: | 434492 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 4 December 1942, Brisbane, Qld. |
| Last Rank: | Flight Sergeant |
| Last Unit: | No. 218 Squadron (RAF) |
| Born: | Branxholm, Tasmania, Australia, 5 April 1917 |
| Home Town: | Branxholm, Dorset, Tasmania |
| Schooling: | Scottsdale State High School, Hobart Technical School, University of Hobart Teachers College |
| Occupation: | School Teacher |
| Died: | Flying Battle, North West Europe, 31 December 1944, aged 27 years |
| Cemetery: |
Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany 1.E.13 |
| Memorials: | Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, International Bomber Command Centre Memorial, Maryborough No. 3 Wireless Air Gunners' School Memorial Wall |
World War 2 Service
| 3 Sep 1939: | Involvement Flight Sergeant, 434492 | |
|---|---|---|
| 4 Dec 1942: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Flight Sergeant, 434492, No. 218 Squadron (RAF), Brisbane, Qld. |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Faithe Jones
Son of John Henry and Madelene Kate Bennett, of Branxholm, Tasmania. Australia.
GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS, HE DIED THAT WE MIGHT LIVE
F/Sgt FRED. BENNETT,
BRANXHOLM
Word has been received by Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Bennett, of Branxholm, that their son, F/Sgt Fred. Bennett, who waa reported missing from air operations over Germany on December 31, 1944, has now, for official purposes, been presumed to have lost his life on December 31st, 1944. F/Sgt Bennett enlisted as a transport driver in the Second AIF in August, 1940, spent two years abroad, seeing active service in Syria, after which he was transferred to an anti-malaria unit. On his return to Australia, F/Sgt Bennett transferred to air crew in the RAAF, and after initial training in Australia was transferred to England where, on completion of training, he commenced active service as a Wireless Air Gunner with a Lancaster Squadron. His first operational flight took place on December 27th, 1944.
F/Sgt Bennett was a pupil of the Branxholm State School, later passing through the Scottsdale High School after which he spent some time at home and later decided to join the Education Department. He trained at the Hobart University and was assistant teacher at the Geevestone Area School. Later he was transferred to the Ringarooma Area School and enlisted from there. He was the fifth son of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Bennett, his age being 28 years.
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