Red Cross photograph of NX57501 Lieutenant (Lt) Frederick Harold (Fred) Childs, 24th Battalion on ...

Red Cross photograph of NX57501 Lieutenant (Lt) Frederick Harold (Fred) Childs, 24th Battalion on a stretcher, as instructions are given for his movement to Native stretcher-bearers (often called fuzzy wuzzy angels). Lt Childs was wounded in action at Markham Point on 4th September 1943 and for his actions over the next four days was awarded the Military Cross. His citation reads “During the action at Markham Point in New Guinea during the period 4th-8th September 1943, Lt Childs led his platoon with great gallantry and determination. On 4th September he penetrated the enemy’s strong defences and gained the inner line, although wounded in both legs he continued to direct the operations of his platoon under heavy fire. The position was held for over seven hours before it was overrun. Lt Childs then assisted one of his badly wounded men to crawl through enemy lines. Although unable to rise from the ground, Lt Childs shot an enemy soldier who attempted to despatch the crawling men. After crawling for four days with badly flyblown wounds and without water, Lt Childs and the soldier reached their own lines. Lt Child throughout made careful notes of the enemy dispositions. His example was an inspiration to his men.”

Following the fighting at Markham Point, Lt Child's family were formally notified by telegram on 7th September that he was missing. A telegram notifying them of his survival was delivered on 21 September, days after they saw this image published in the Australian Press. Lt Childs returned to Australia on the hospital ship ‘Manunda’ in October 1943 and was admitted to 113 AGH at Concord NSW. Due to his injuries, Lt Childs spent the entirety of 1944 and the early part of 1945 between 113 AGH and Lady Wakehurst Convalescent Hospital. Upon release, he was promoted to Captain and posted to Victoria Barracks until his discharge on 7th January 1946.