LATHAM, Frederick George
| Service Number: | 23951 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 2 February 1940 |
| Last Rank: | Able Seaman |
| Last Unit: | HMAS Hobart (I) |
| Born: | Collingwood, Victoria, Australia, 22 February 1922 |
| Home Town: | Collingwood, Yarra, Victoria |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Iron worker |
| Died: | Killed in Action, New Hebrides, 20 July 1943, aged 21 years |
| Cemetery: | Not yet discovered |
| Memorials: | Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Plymouth Naval Memorial to the Missing / Lost at Sea |
World War 2 Service
| 2 Feb 1940: | Enlisted Royal Australian Navy, Able Seaman, 23951, HMAS Hobart (I) | |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Feb 1940: | Enlisted Royal Australian Navy, Ordinary Seaman, 23951, HMAS Cerberus (Shore), Melbourne, Victoria | |
| 20 Jul 1943: | Involvement Royal Australian Navy, Able Seaman, 23951, HMAS Hobart (I), RAN Operations - 'SW Pacific / Indian Ocean 1941-43' |
More about Freddie
Frederick George Latham (known as Freddie) was born in Collingwood on 22/2/1922 to Ann Marie (Carrucan, 1899-1981) and Frederick George (same name, 23/7/1889 - 8/10/1961) Latham. He was one of eight children.
He was an iron worker by trade, and like his two brothers who also signed up, he joined the Navy on 5/2/1940 when he was 17, because he couldn't find a job.
He was RAN SN 23951 Able Seaman on board the HMAS Hobart, and saw Singapore fall, being one of the last ships to get out.
After the Battle of the Coral Sea, the ship went to the New Hebredes for repairs. While docked, a japanise submarine fired on the ship with torpedos. Freddy was one of 13 seamen to die that day. He was one of a four man set gun’s crew, and had been sitting in a Carley float on the Quarterdeck, ready to man the turret. He was blown to bits and killed. His body was never recovered as there was nothing to recover. He was aged 21 when he was killed.
My Mum says he was a lovely man, a great cricketer, and someone who always made time for his family, especially his younger sister and his mum.
Submitted 22 July 2016 by Alison Simpson
Click images to start slideshow.