Contributed by Ron Inglis, October 2021
Labourer Frederick W Meads (Meade F W on the Auburn War Memorial) was born in the United Kingdom. He enlisted on 26 April 1916, nominating his father in London, England, and his brother in Newton Street, Auburn, as his next-of-kin. Meads was kept back in Australia for six months before he embarked on the Ceramic.
In his service record it is noted while with his training battalion he was charged with three crimes: ‘Whilst on duty allowed prisoner to escape’, ‘Having liquor in his possession while on guard’ and ‘Drunk in Dubbo’. Meads was also AWL twice in Britain. For one instance, he was confined to barracks for seven days and for the other he received 21 days field punishment N°2.
It was one year and four months after enlistment that Meads crossed to France and was taken on strength of the 53rd Battalion on 26 August 1917. Meads was killed one month later on the first day of the battle of Polygon Wood, 26 September 1917. Altogether, 14 Auburn Memorial men perished in the 3rd Battle of Ypres in Belgium; Australians were involved from 20 September to 10 November 1917. Meads was buried in the Birr Cross Roads Cemetery, just beyond Hellfire Corner near the Belgian town of Ypres.
Meads had declined to make a will, but this did not affect the distribution of medals. Meads’ medals were sent to his father in London, who was also granted a pension of 30 shillings per fortnight.
Fredrick Meads is honoured on the following memorials in Australia:
- Auburn War Memorial
- Municipality of Auburn 1914-1919 Honour Roll
- Roll of Honour Australian War Memorial Canberra
His decorations:
- Victory Medal
- British War Medal 1914-20
