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Percy Fryer - Information

Percy was born to John and Mary Ellen Fryer (John’s second wife) in Bringelly on the 8th of February 1891. Percy grew up in the Camden area with his many siblings and step-siblings. In the 1900s, John and Mary Ellen relocated the family to Henry St in Penrith. Here, Percy supported himself as a motor driver. When he was 25 years old, he decided to enlist in the AIF. He travelled all the way to Melbourne to sign up on the 9th of September 1916. He was made a Driver, and trained at Broadmeadows. In late April, he became a mechanic with the 8th Division Ammunition Park. He then embarked Melbourne on the HMAT Ascanius in May 1917.

Percy arrived in Devonport on the 20th of July, and was marched into the Army Service Corps Details. His main task was to keep vehicles in working order. Transportation of men, war material and wounded relied heavily on him doing his job. At the end of January 1918, he left Southampton for France. The stalemate on the Western Front ceased with the launch of the German Spring Offensive in March. At this moment, artillery was crucial. Percy was then taken on strength to the 2nd Australian Siege Brigade Ammunition Column. He remained with the Ammunition Column until after the war ended. In April 1919, he was transferred to the 6th Motor Company. He returned to Australia in late May and discharged in September 1919. At the time, his family had moved to Auburn. In 1923, Percy moved to Melbourne, with his lovely wife, May.