VALE

NX80463 SERGEANT FRED LUXFORD

2/1^ST AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY BATTALION 2^ND AIF

“LAST MAN STANDING”

Fred was born in Waverley NSW and enlisted on the 29^th December 1941.  He served with the 2/1^st Infantry Battalion until 22^nd March 1946 and was discharged with the rank of Sergeant.  His Father and three uncles (1 KIA) served in WW1.

Fred is the LAST of over 3000 men who served in the 2/1^st Battalion in WW2.  The 2/1^st served in North Africa and led the 6^th Division into the Battle for Bardia and then to Tobruk.  They fought in Greece and Crete, were reformed in Palestine, back to Australia (via Ceylon) and then to Kokoda.  The battalion entered the Kokoda campaign with 38 Officers and 656 men.  They left with 8 Officers and 93 men. The 2/1^st returned to PNG and fought in the Aitape – Wewak campaign and was still fighting when the war ceased. 

The 2/1^st Battalion Colours were Black over Green which became the Colours of the 65^th Battalion (1RAR) in Japan in 1945/1946.  Their association has become our (1RAR) association.  The 2/1^st visited our wounded and Fred was one of the men who welcomed 1 RAR home after Vietnam in 1966. 

Fred was a strong man who set examples for his family, community and loved his 2/1^st Association.  He was remembered and honoured at a memorial service at St Matthews Anglican Church, West Pymble attended by myself and members of the 1/19^th Battalion Association.

So next time you (1RAR) gather raise a glass to a good man, a fighting infantry soldier and a great Australian.

“Fred Luxford, Last Man Standing”

Mike Waldron