Fred sailed the world with the Royal Navy

Allity Lexington Gardens aged care resident Frederick, 99, holds fond memories of his time in the Royal Navy as he reflects for Remembrance Day.

Fred says his fascination with the armed forces started as a young boy and he just knew the Navy was going to be where he ended up.

“I joined the Navy in 1942 when I was 18 and attended the Dartmouth Royal Naval College in the UK,” he says.

“My time in the Navy was fantastic - we had a whale of a time.

“We were all young lads who didn’t think about the dangers and plunged straight in, but I made lots of lasting friendships.”

Fred served during WWII and travelled around the world, navigating some close encounters.

He served across the Atlantic and the Pacific on ships including HMS Mauritius.

“In 1943 I was on a ship in the Pacific that was torpedoed by a German submarine then again by a Japanese submarine.

“We were really lucky that it never hit, we used to send signals and ask for help to avoid them.”

After marrying in 1952, he hung up his uniform with 10 years in the Navy under his belt.

“I started as a Naval Officer taking specialty training to progress to a Gunnery Officer which was in navigation and gunnery torpedo anti-submarine,” Fred says.

“I retired from the Navy as a Naval Commander by the end.  

“I managed to work my way through the ranks over that time.”

Now, Remembrance Day marks a special time for Fred to reflect not only on his own time but for those who have fallen in battle.

“You remember who made that supreme sacrifice for their country and we solute them for their service.”

Fred and other residents from Allity Lexington Gardens aged care home will be attending their local RSL to commemorate Remembrance Day this week.