Hills History — Friedrich Karl Fischer: Machine Gunner and POW

Friedrich Karl Fischer was born on 27th June 1910 at Pleasant Hills, the son of Helen Maria and August Herman Fischer. At the age of 29, Fred enlisted in the AIF on 30th May 1940. He trained as a Machine Gunner and later joined the 4th Reserve Transport.

In April 1941, Fred embarked for Singapore and then Malaya. The D Company 4th Reserve MT was responsible for transporting stores. Fred was appointed Corporal in January 1942. After the Japanese started bombing Singapore, he was transferred to traffic control—a dangerous job. While on a motorbike, he was shot in the leg.

Fred was taken prisoner of war and was in Changi Prison for 3 ½ years. After the Japanese surrender in 1945, he returned home and was discharged in 1946. He married Evelyn Myrtle Obst and was an active member of the Henty RSL Sub Branch for many years. Fred passed away on 29th May 2000 and is buried at Henty Cemetery.

Fiona Beckett, with notes from Loraine Kilo Lest We Forget.