Remembering my Great Uncle, Private James Frederick.

As the centenary of the Battle of Hamel approaches this week, there will be many landmarks to recall. It was a successful operation under the Australian, Lieutenant General John Monash and was his first as a corps commander. It was also the first time that the troops of the United States and Australia fought side-by-side.

Closer to home, the battle on the 4th of July 1918 saw the death of my great uncle, Private James Frederick, a member of the Australian 25th Battalion. He was one of 800 Australians that died that day. At 36 years of age and a father, James could be regarded as being rather older than the average digger that day.

As the services remember the Battle of Hamel over the coming week, I shall remember the service of James. He now lies in France, among his comrades. A very long way from the Queensland home that he once knew.

Rest in Peace, James. Lest We Forget.