FREEBORN, PTE. FRED J. Reg. # 154649
Frederick James Freeborn was born January 6, 1895 in Clinton, Ontario to James and Mariette Freeborn. At the time of the 1901 census, the family was identified as living in Chapman Township. (In the 1901 census, James Freeborn was identified as being a P3. The family had a servant.) At the time of the 1911 census, James and Mariette and son Frederick were identified as living in Magnetewan. Again the family was listed as having a servant. James was identified as a Physician.
Frederick ‘Fred’ enlisted in the 15th Battalion C.E.F. on January 7, 1915 in Grenfell, Ontario at age 20. He later served in the 36th Battery.
Frederick James Freeborn, March 13, 1918. Whitney Camp, Whitney, Surrey, England. The photo shows a portion of a souvenir postcard made by many soldiers who sent them home to loved ones. Frederick (Freds) enlisted in the C.E.F. on Jan. 7, 1915 in Grenfell, Saskatchewan. In 1916 he sails to England aboard the R.M.S. Missanabie attched to the 36th Battery. His brother Switzer Gardner is also aboard with the 11th Howitzer Battery. He returns from the Great War in Europe in 1919 and settles in his home town Magnetewan, Ontario.
In his Discharge Certificate Frederick was identified as having enlisted in the 1st Pioneers and that he served in France with the C.A.G. (Canadian Artillery Group).
The R.M.S. Missanabie was used as a troop ship during the Great War. It ferried both brother's units from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada to Plymouth, England.
Frederick arrived in England on November 30, 1915 and embarked for France on March 9, 1916.
His unit became known as the 9th C.R.T. ( Canadian Railway Troops - men recruited and organized to operate railways in rear areas?).
Frederick returned to Canada July 26, 1919.
On September 21, 1940 Frederick married Rose Viola Schmeler in Lount Township.
