Frederick William Stradling was born in Fitzroy, Victoria, was a widower living in Ballarat with his daughter, Miss Yvenne Stradling, and Journalist when he enlisted with the Divisional Signal Company 2, Reinforcement 21 on 27 October 1916 at the age of 33. Standing at 6' 2' (188 cm) and weighing in at 204 lbs (92 Kgs) he was an impressive and imposing figure. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A9 Shropshire on 11 May 1917. He was appointed as a Temporary Corporal, reverting back to the rank of Sapper with the 2nd Signalling Company by 14 March 1918. According to his record, he completed his service without major incident, illness or injury, returning home to Australia on 22 July 1919.
Tree No. 3012