frank

Frank Fisher

Frank Fisher joined the AIF much later in life than many, aged 38. By this time, Frank already had 3 children to first wife Rosie Shilling: Willie, Frank and Doris. At the time of enlistment, Frank was married to Esme Fisher (nee Hayward). At his medical examination, it was noted that Pte Fisher had a scar on the right side of his back as well as an operation scar for a hernia, a tell tale sign of the indentured service that he had performed on Barambah Settlement.

Pte Frank Fisher was one of three men from Barambah who formed part of the “The Queensland Black Watch”, serving alongside his Indigenous brothers, John Geary and William Bert Brown, in the 11th Light Horse, 20th Reinforcements. Pte Fisher embarked from Sydney on the ship HMAT A38 Ulysses on the 19th December 1917 bound for the Middle East. He saw active service in a number of towns within the Middle East, along with some time spent confined to hospital.

Frank Fisher is the father of Frank “Bigshot” Fisher, an important figure in Cherbourg history, and the great grandfather of Cathy Freeman.

Archive Items For This Person

Three WW1 Soldiers

Martin Bligh (left), Frank Fisher (back) and unknown soldier   → View item

The HMAT “Ulysses” A38

Frank embarks with the 20th Reinforcements in Sydney on the HMAT “Ulysses” A38 on December 1917, bound for Suez, Egypt.   → View item

Certificate of medical examination

Medical evaluation form issued by the Australian Army on August eighth, 1917 certifying Frank Fisher as being fit for active service.   → View item

Portrait of Frank Fisher in army uniform

Portrait taken of Frank Fisher in Australian Imperial Force (AIF) uniform   → View item

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