Lot 294

Description

Australia, WWI, Munitions Worker badge in bronze (54x33mm), by Stokes & Sons, Melbourne, 2 lugs on back, number 1557 impressed on reverse. Good very fine.

Badge No.1557, John William Freak, carpenter, age 32, born at Glen Innes, NSW; Enrolled as volunteer for manufacture of munitions in Great Britain 01Feb1917; Emb.09May1917 for England; started munitions and war work 14Aug1917; RTA 17Nov1919 due to cessation of hostilities and completion of agreement; Disemb.25Jan1920; Disch.25Jan1920.^^The following article was published in the Glen Innes Examiner on Thursday 4 September 1941, page 7.^^OBITUARY^MR. J W. FREAK^The death occurred at his home in Burwood, Sydney, on Monday, of Mr. John William Freak, aged 56 years. The late Mr. Freak, who was the eldest son of the late Mr. John Freak, of Glen Innes, and Mrs. Freak, of Burwood, was born at Glen Innes where until about 15 years ago he followed the trade of builder, giving up that business on his departure from Glen Innes to accept a position with the Public Works Department, by whom he was employed to the time of his death.^^Mr. Freak served as a munitions worker in England during the last war and while there met and married Mrs. Rowe of Grayshott, by whom, in addition to three sons, he is survived. The sons are Messrs. Ernest, Percy and Aubrey, all of Burwood. A step-son, Mr. Harry Rowe, of Chatswood, also survives. Messrs. A. H. Freak and B. L. Freak of Glen Innes, are brothers of deceased. An only sister, Ivy (Mrs. Dawes), of Kiama, died three years ago.^^The late Mr. Freak was well known in Glen Innes. He was a prominent member of the Glen Innes Rifle Club for many years, and was a director of the old Starr-Bowkett Building Society. His death followed an illness of eight months' duration. Interment took place at Rookwood on Tuesday, following a service at St. Paul's Church of England, Burwood. Both of deceased's brothers visited him in Sydney prior to his passing. Former Glen Innes residents now living in Sydney who attended the funeral included Mr. Jonathan Coates, Mrs. T. Wood, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Murray and Mr. Chas. Melvaine.^^With copy of Munitions Worker File.