Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Francis C. and Louistena C. Caspar.

Constable Frederick Caspar† 5532

Sea Lake Police Station

Born on 17 May 1886 at East Trentham, Victoria, Fred Caspar knew his mother for a mere four years before she died at Gisborne leaving his father, Frank to care for their seven surviving children.

Three years hence, during which the family suffered the loss two further children, saw miller and timber merchant, Frank married Ada Boyce, increasing the family by two sons. Moving on Frank became a

Following the completing his education, Fred Caspar became a well-known bicycle rider, operating as a bicycle agent, before his 4 March 1910 appointment to the Victoria Police. Following his training, brown haired, grey eyed, Constable Frederick Caspar 5532 was transferred, on 18 May 1910, to Russell Street police station.

Transferred, on 15 September 1911, to Kyabram, Fred Caspar was commended for zeal and intelligence displayed in an arrest of offenders for larceny, however he requested his transfer from Kyabram, where he made many friends, to return to Russell Street, Melbourne, on 07 August 1912.[1]

However, four months later, he transferred to Sea Lake for foot duties. Perhaps the country township south of salt water Lake Tyrell proved more to his liking as it is on the edge of the Mallee district Fred Caspar remained until 18 October 1915 when he was granted leave of absence to enlist AIF.

Training, initially as a gunner, at Broadmeadows and Geelong, Fred Caspar qualified as a driver with the 8th Field Artillery Brigade, Battery 29.

Embarking, on 20 May 1916, from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A7 Medic, Fred Caspar proceeded, from Plymouth, England for France on 30 December the same year.

Achieving, in the field of combat, Temporary Bombadier on 20 July 1917, a month following Fred Caspar was made permanent in the position as well as being promoted to Corporal.

After mid-1917, following mutinies in the over-strained French Army, the British Forces assumed an even greater role in the war on the Western Front. Providing Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, the British commander-in-chief, an opportunity to launch a virtually non-authorised offensive. Attacking from Ypres in Belgium, planning to drive the fortified, entrenched Germans from the surrounding dominant ridges, he unleashed his great attack on 31 July 1917.

Launched on 10 October 1917, the seasonal rain beginning to deluge an already sodden battlefield, togeth wer with adequate artillery unable to be brought within range, the soldiers were not afforded the suppression originally planned for.

Fighting ensued, often in appalling weather, despite crippling losses, until November. Finally, with the army stuck in muddy fields churned up by artillery fire, the bloody offensive came to an untidy close. Many would afterwards call this offensive, actually a series of battles, after the name of the village that had become the last objective – 'Passchendaele'.[2]

Standing at 178 cm [5’10”], weighing 79 kg [12 stone 7 lbs]  on enlistment, Sunday 14 October 1917 saw Corporal Fred Caspar at St Jeans Road, near Passchaendale, the remainder of his colleagues having adjourned their posts for their respective dug outs, standing beside his C Sub gun. Hit below his left eye by shrapnel of an exploding enemy shell rendered him unconscious. Having his wounds bound at the scene, Fred Caspar was taken to 14th Field Ambulance where life abandoned the 31 years of age soldier/policeman.[3]

Ultimately able to secure the objective with the capture of Poelcappelle for a short period of time, the lack of artillery support, combined with an unprotected flank forced them to withdraw after a few hours.

In total, 1,253 Australians were killed in the battle for no gain of ground. A tragic loss, we must never forget neither their nor Fred Caspar’s sacrifice.

Constable/Corporal Frederick Caspar rests in eternal peace, together with 46 fellow Australians, in the Brandhoek New Military Cemetery No. 3, [Plot I, Row L, Grave No. 4], Vlamertinghe, Belgium. Fred Caspar is recorded on the Bacchus Marsh Roll of Honour, as well as on trees in the Avenue of Honour at Bacchus Marsh and Coimadi, together with being commemorated on the Sea Lake Memorial Hall Honour Board.

Frederick Caspar

Died of wounds, in France, on 14 October 1917, Frederick Caspar, dearly loved youngest son of Francis Charles Caspar, Bacchus Marsh, step-son of Ada Caspar, brother of William T., Theodore F., and Lilian, step-brother of Frank and Charles. Aged 31 years. One of the best.[1]

What would we give to clasp his hand

Deep in our hearts there is a memory ever

His kind influence and loving ways

Will linger with us all our days

And those who think of him today

Are those who loved him best

One of the best

[1] https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/96144888 17 November 1917

[1] https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/114934719 07 August 1912
[2] Battle of Passchendaele (Third Ypres) | Australian War Memorial (awm.gov.au)
[3] Australia Red Cross Wounded and Missing Files, Australian War Memorial