Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Aub.’s parents were Stanley Walker Fryar and Olive Elizabeth Dyer.
He attended Wolseley Primary School from approx. 1917 to 1924. After leaving school he was employed in his father's store at Wolseley. When Stan's four boys took over the Wolseley and Serviceton businesses from their father in 1931, it was Aub. who took over managerial responsibility of the Wolseley branch, until his enlistment in the A.I.F. on 6th. June 1940. Aub. married Maureen Emily Ryan at the Tintinara Congregational Church on 29 March 1937. Their wedding day will long be remembered by the Fryar family as at 2.00 a.m. in the morning the slumbers of the family were disturbed by calls for help from the occupants of the adjacent old Wolseley Hotel which was totally ablaze. The Kaniva Fire Brigade were summoned and promptly responded, but the building was almost completely destroyed before their arrival. However, the brigade performed superbly in extinguishing what remained and prevented extension of the fire to nearby buildings, including the Fryar home.
The following is extracted from "The Advertiser" Adelaide, SA, Thursday 15 April 1937, Page 12:
"Marriage
Ryan - Fryar - On the 29th March, at the Tintinara Congregational Church, by the Rev. J. Firth. Maureen E., eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Ryan, of Tintinara to Aubrey S. second son of Mr. and Mrs. S. W Fryar of Wolseley."
The following is quoted from a Newspaper article in approx. late September 1940. Most likely the newspaper was "The Border Times".
“Wolseley – Spontaneous Tribute to A Digger
A large attendance of the public from Serviceton, Bordertown, and Wolseley paid a spontaneous tribute to Driver Aubrey Fryar who was home on final A.I.F. leave, at a farewell held in the (Wolseley) Institute on Saturday night last.
Proceedings opened with dancing, with Mr. W. Willis as M.C., and Mr. E. Duffield on the piano. At ten o'clock Cr E.W. Sharrad, chairman of Wolseley Patriotic Committee, announced an interval to enable all to extend best wishes to Driver Fryar. After the National Anthem, Cr Sharrad introduced the guest, and referred to the call for the defence of civilization which he had answered.
Mr. F. Tregoweth outlined the part being played in the community to sustain the home front, and of Driver Fryar's emergence from boyhood to association with his brothers as district general merchants. Mr. A.G. Butler recounted Driver Fryar's part in Oddfellows' Lodge activity. Messrs W. Willis and F. Porter also elogistically voiced appreciation of Driver Fryar's services to the township, and in the wider field of Democracy for which he had undertaken to do his best.
Cr. Sharrad presented the guest with a polished steel mirror from the R.S.L. and a handsome kangaroo skin wallet from the Warworkers, with a note placed there by the Patriotic Committee. The recipient feelingly responded. After a tasty supper supplied by the Warworkers had been partaken of, dancing was resumed. A memorable evening closed with all assembling around Driver Fryar and heartily sang 'Auld Land Syne,' at the same time wishing him Godspeed and a safe return to Australia.
Total receipts from the function were £10, of which amount the Patriotic Committee secured just over £7, and the Warworkers (supper proceeds) £2/18/6. The Patriotic Committee will net about £5."
Aubrey reported for duty at Woodside Barracks on 11 June 1940. He embarked on His Majesty's Transport "HMT Mauretania" for the Middle East on 11th October 1940. He disembarked at Bombay (now known as Mumbai), India on 5 November. On 9 November he embarked on HT317 for the Middle East whereupon he disembarked at Kantara in Egypt on 24 November 1940.
Aub. kept a copy of a directive from Brigadier S.F. Rowell which was issued to all personnel on their arrival in the Middle East. It is undated. I have copied it hereunder:
“What of Palestine?
Pointers for the A.I.F.
YOU have just arrived in Palestine, a country with a history dating back to the beginning of time, a country in which you will discover the most amazing combinations of the primitive and the modern ages.
For most of you this is an entirely new experience, you are far away from the familiar people, customs and habits you have known for years, and the tendency is to relax many of those habits of which, as Australians, we are proud. We have a legacy from the last war, when the Australian Light Horse fought and won in Palestine and Sinai. During this period, they established themselves in Arab eyes as soldiers second to none, as men to be trusted and respected. You must live up to this, and to help you, the G.O.C., A.I.F. has directed that these notes be issued to every man on arrival.
Palestine does not belong to us; it belongs to the Arabs and Jews, both of whose histories date long before ours, whose respective religions are two of the oldest in the world. As you know, there has in the past been trouble between these two races, who are now, however, united in the same cause as you, namely, to win this war. Hundreds of young men of both races have enlisted in the various units of the English Army and Air Force. Some of them have seen months of service in France, including the evacuation of Dunkirk, when they distinguished themselves. You are using their homeland as a training ground. You represent Australia, whether in the smallest Arab village, or the largest towns in Palestine. It is therefore of paramount importance that you learn, understand and respect their many customs, by far the greater part of which are due to their religion. These are vastly different to ours, but none the less they must be respected.
The Arabs.
The Arab is a Moslem, and as such, his most noticeable characteristics are his religious fervour and the segregation of his women folk.
Do not attempt to enter a Mosque unless in possession of permission to do so and unless conducted by a member of the Mosque. Remove your shoes and your hat. You can only enter a Mosque on bare or stock¬inged feet. Only attempt to enter those portions of the Mosque shown you by your guide.
The Mosque is a place of worship, respect it, do not talk loudly or laugh. Do not disturb any worshipper at his prayers or devotions. Under no circumstances enter during the hours of prayer.
The Arab Sabbath is the Friday.
When in the streets, remember that most Arabs know a little English, so do not speak of them in disparag¬ing terms, or swear at them. Do not refer to them as "Wogs".
Arab women are kept severely apart from all men except their husbands, and are easily scared of Australians, so do not look at, or speak to any woman. Any attempt to molest them will only cause trouble for you. Walk along the roads as if they were not in sight. They are regarded as inferior to men, and you therefore should not even notice their presence.
Some Arabs have religious objections to being photographed, so if you see you are causing embarrassment with a camera, do not use it. Use will only frighten the women, and cause resentment in the men.
When you see the Arab seated on his donkey with his wife walking behind laden with goods, do not attempt to teach the Arab the Australian customs. His wife is used to this, do not interfere.
Lastly, the Arab's standard of honesty is different from yours, so under no circumstances put temptation in his way.
By both nature and religion, the Arab is the most courteous person in the world. Do not take advantage of his courtesy and hospitality. Show him the courtesy he shows to you. You will rise in his esteem.
The Jewish People.
The Jewish Sabbath is from sunset on the Friday to sunset on the Saturday.
When entering a synagogue, unless you are of Jewish faith, get permission, and someone to conduct you. Do not remove your shoes or hat. It is a place of worship. Do not disturb worshippers, talk loudly, or laugh.
If the dress and appearance of some Jewish men or women appears very strange to you, do not ridicule it. It is the custom of their sect. To the Jew, Palestine is the Promised Land, their home. The greater percentage by far are idealists, and so many will appear fanatical in their ideas. Respect their ideas as you expect them to respect yours.
In both, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv you will find people who have opened their houses to Australians during the past months. No doubt many of you will make similar friendships. Their hospitality is genuine - do not abuse it.
A Final Hint.
You are an Australian, and it is by your appearance, behaviour and bearing that Australia and every Aust¬ralian will be judged. Wear your uniform correctly, have it clean and neat. Be temperate in your desires and habits.
Brig.,
General Staff 1st Aust. Corps.”
The following newspaper clipping was found in an album created by Aub. The clipping was possibly from an Eastern Victorian newspaper, as it has advertising for businesses in Kaniva on the reverse. Alternatively, it may have been printed in 'The Border Chronicle', published at Bordertown.
"Letters from Overseas
The following interesting letter has been received by Mr. John Fryar from his brother, Aubrey, who is overseas with the A.I.F. -
As this will be my last opportunity of sending Christmas Greetings to you all at home for the Festive Season, I am writing now, and posting per Air Mail. My thoughts quite often wander back to home, all of yourselves, my friends, the shops, and the surroundings in general, and I frequently wish that I could see you all again for a while.
However, as that cannot be, for the time, I now wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Wherever I may be, when Christmas arrives, my thoughts shall certainly be at home with you all.
I have not had any mail from Aussie since I left Perth, so do not know how everyone is faring; however, trust that you are all well. We still cannot disclose where we are, as yet, not even the country that we are in. However, are settled down now, after having arrived here last Tuesday. I was lucky enough to be in a party from our Company, who travelled a little further on the boat than the main port (non-British), a little further on and whilst there we were granted a few hours' leave.
Although this port is regarded as being very important, geographically, we were not over thrilled with the city part of it! The port itself certainly was very busy, with lots of shipping being carried on there.
Winter has just begun here, and we had quite a lot of rain a couple of days ago. And does the mud stick very much here! I'll say it does. It's much worse than the Tatiara mud. In fact, that sticky that here they use it for building with, instead of cement.
There are lots of orange orchards around the camp here, and the fruit is just ripening now. The natives of the land sell the oranges very cheaply. Six nice large navels for 2½d. in Australian currency. So naturally we don't go short of fruit.
The flavour of our Australian oranges is far superior to these here; however, these are very acceptable at the price nevertheless.
The climate has not been noticeably cold yet, however it may be later on, that's if we stay here long enough, as we seem to have been on the move quite a lot lately.
The currency here is different again, to what we used in the last country that we were in, however, is very simple to become acquainted with.
There is a large picture theatre here, also a laundry, tailor's, barbers, and jeweller's shop, so we are fairly well catered for in those things, however, there is one drawback with them, and that is that they all need money when one visits them. Also have canteens, both wet and dry, here. Incidentally canteen orders are accepted here too!
The soil here is very fertile, or at least, looks it. But the natives with their very primitive ways of cultivating it, get very little from it, I think.
They use those old fashioned one furrow, wooden ploughs drawn by a donkey and a cow for ploughing, and sow the seed by hand. You can imagine the plough certainly does not go down very deeply! And they don't appear to use Super. There is nothing but sand for as far as the eyes can see only a few miles from here, so we will be seeing and feeling plenty of it I guess, if we get some dry and windy weather. Well I'm up to my weight in paper now for Air Mail, so must close, again wishing you all a Merry Christmas and happy New Year."
Aub. was attached to the 7th Division Petrol Company, 5 Coy. Australian Army Service Corps in the Syrian and Western Desert campaigns, being promoted to A/Cpl at Dimra (near Gaza City) on 29 May 1941 and S Sgt on the 6th February 1942. Also a postcard from him in July 1941 shows "a scene in one of the main streets of Beyrouth, the day our troops went through there celebrating our defeat of the Vichy - First Victory for the Allies in WW2.
One day, a few years before his death, Aub. mentioned to me on possibly the only occasion that he spoke to me about the war that driving petrol tankers and trucks along windy, narrow roads on step mountain passes in the Middle East was a terrifying experience. Not only did they have to travel these roads at night without being able to use lights, but they were constantly in danger of being attacked from the ground or air.
Aubrey's unit embarked at Port of Suez per USS Mt Vernon on 8 Feb. 1942.
I have these notes from USS Mount Vernon's deck log on her movements after she departed the naval base at Singapore on 15 Jan 1942.
"7 Feb 42: Anchored off Port of Suez and commenced loading troops (later their equipment).
9 Feb 42: Completed troop loading, 249 officers and 4520 men of AIF, or 4769 troops in total, including a brigadier (K.W. Eather), according to the ship's deck log. Underway at 1553 hrs.
13 Feb 42: Brief stop at Aden.
18 Feb 42: Moored at Colombo, Ceylon.
24 Feb 42: Stood out of Colombo, escorted by HMS Enterprise [Emerald Class light cruiser, launched late 1919].
26 Feb 42: Enterprise detached as escort, Mount Vernon steaming independently.
4 Mar 42: Arrived Fremantle.
5 Mar 42: 1805 hrs commenced embarking USN personnel.
10 Mar 42: Arrived Adelaide."
Also Aub. kept a copy of the ship’s Press News of 2nd. March which I quote herewith:
“USS Mount Vernon - Press News March 2, 1942
Washington - The Japanese heavy cruiser Mogami and three destroyers were put out of action in an engagement with Allied naval craft off the north coast of Java, The Navy Department communiqué follows: "On Feb. 27th, a major action occurred wherein combined Dutch, British, Australian and American naval forces engaged a much larger enemy force of combatant vessels covering 40 transports attempting a landing on the north coast of Java. From fragmentary reports received by the Navy Department, the American naval forces participating in this action consisted of one heavy cruiser and five destroyers. A landing on Java by the enemy was not effected. The Japanese heavy cruiser Mogami and three enemy destroyers were put out of action in the attempt.
Reports from U.S. submarines operating in the Far East follow: "On Feb, 23rd. two torpedo hits effected on one large enemy ship; on Feb. 24th, two torpedo hits effected on one large enemy auxiliary vessel; on Feb. 25th, one torpedo hit effected on an enemy transport and one torpedo hit on type unknown. In addition, date unknown, one of our submarines registered a torpedo hit on an enemy transport. All of these enemy ships are believed sunk."
A new $12,000,000 light cruiser, one of the fastest, most heavily armed ships of its type ever launched, was commissioned Saturday at an east coast port several months ahead of schedule.
London - British parachute troops made their first raid on a Nazi occupied area of the French coast with highly successful results. In a daring exploit which reads like a piece of adventure fiction, the parachutists destroyed a radio location device used by the Germans and brought back some prisoners. Surprise was no little factor in the operation. With facilities, the troops were dropped from only 300 feet and had covered half a mile and were nearly at their objective before a shot was fired at them. It was only after the essential part of the operation was completed and the troops were making for the beach where the Navy was to embark them that they came against serious opposition. They overcame and silenced beach defences, sent out signals to naval craft waiting a little offshore and in a matter of minutes only were heading across the channel back to England. The Army, Navy and R.A.F. undertook the operation jointly.
Sydney - The Australian government has decided to ration tea sales on a basis of 50 per cent of normal supplies. All supplies in the hands of merchants, traders and retailers have been requisitioned. Senator R.V. Keane, minister of trade and customs, said the action had been taken because there was little prospect of regular supplies in the immediate future.
Moscow - The results of much patient work in the past few weeks by Soviet divisions on the various fronts are only now beginning to show in news reports. On the Central front, for example, a number of Soviet units are stated by Red Star to have worked their way into the German rear and hitting at the flanks of the defence in depth are driving them from one stronghold after another. The Germans are trying to save themselves by counterblows sometimes supported by aircraft.
On the Southwestern front, Soviet troops have fought their way to the neighbourhood of important German positions and held firm against six strong counter-attacks in which tanks aided the infantry. On the Southern front, there was heavy fighting in one sector in which the Germans lost 7500 killed, while the Russians on another sector inflicted 2400 casualties in three days while advancing.
London – The Soviets on the Southern front commemorated the 24th anniversary of the Red Army by smashing one Rumanian division and one German division, states the Moscow radio.
Page 2
USS Mount Vernon - Press News March 2, 1942
Batavia - News of the latest sea battle in the Java Sea, not far from where a few weeks ago Dutch and American forces hit hard on Jap convoys in the Macassar straits - are being closely followed in Allied circles here.
The turning back of the Jap transports is the most cheerful news, although this might well only mean the transports did not want to run the risk of being hit during the battle. The attack by the Jap invasion fleet confirms that the Japanese play a dangerous game and seem to have put all their eggs in one basket. They must succeed completely within a comparatively short time allowed them by their oil stock which is dwindling and unsupplemental since destruction of the oil fields of Tarakan, Balikpapan and Palembang.
This Jap game is entirely based on the continual defensive attitude of the Allies. The only strategy which can cross this game and this has been proved by the action against the invasion fleet - is an unexpected offensive which throws the beautiful calculations of the Japs to pieces, creating confusion in the enemy camp as a result, of which they are likely to make mistakes.
There are several factors in favour of Allied strategy, such as General MacArthur's heroic resistance on the Bataan peninsula; the Chinese troop concentration in northern Burma and Thailand and the leadership of Chiang Kai Shek in this area. The harbours along the Japanese sea are beginning to thaw and the Russian danger rises from the north and northwest; and finally the damage to the American fleet, now almost three months ago, is likely to have been repaired.
Therefore, the general situation - although threatening for the Allies - has increasing dangers for the Japanese, who now seem to have reached the bitter end of their communication lines after penetration of over 2,000 miles. This all should certainly be remembered when considering the present exposed position of Java around which a steel pincer is now closing.
Port Moresby - Japanese planes raided Port Moresby by daylight Saturday. Light aircraft swept in from the sea, followed later by bombers.
San Juan - Hugh I. Stewart, carpenter on the British tanker "Lacarriere" reached Puerto Rican soil alone in a lifeboat. Altogether 24 survivors reached here. Fifteen of the crew are missing.
Sydney - Major General Gordon Bennett, commander of Australian troops in Singapore, is safe, according to a telegram from the commanding officer of the Alice Springs district. In view of the mystery surrounding his escape, he will be summoned to Melbourne immediately to see Army Minister Forde.
The Japanese have succeeded in landing in Java, although estimates of the number of troops landed varies between “a few" and four divisions. Japanese losses in the sea battle which preceded their landing were given as one heavy cruiser sunk, two cruisers seriously damaged, three destroyers left burning and 15 transports sunk or set afire, while the Allies lost two cruisers and one destroyer sunk - a11 Dutch.
The Allies were reported last night to be resisting invasion with all their might. Many Japanese invasion barges were wrecked and men wading ashore mown down. Admiral Helfrichs gallant little navy is still in the picture, crashing in and out of Jap concentrations and continuing to inflict losses on warships and transports. The Japs threw considerable force into action for protecting their convoys - including one battle cruiser and one aircraft carrier, at least.
When it was learned that invasion had begun, oil installations at Tjepoe, 30 miles from the scene of the landing in the Rembang area, the last remaining big oil producing area in the N.E.I. was "scorched" with usual Dutch thoroughness. The Japs landed in three separate places. Allied reinforcements are being rushed to the threatened sectors.”
Aubrey disembarked at Adelaide whereupon he was granted leave before heading to Queensland for training in jungle warfare.
On 6 September 1942, he embarked at Brisbane on the "Jason Lee" for Papua whereupon he disembarked Port Moresby on 17 September 1942. This was around the same time as the 2/27th arrived.
On 28 January 1943 he returned from Pt. Moresby per "Duntroon" where he disembarked at Cairns on 30 Jan 1943. On 1 May 1943 he was transferred to 2/2 Caust Supply Depot Coy. attending various courses, and on 19th July he was promoted to rank of Warrant Officer class 2. On 27th Aug. 1943 he again embarked for overseas this time at Townsville per "Katoomba". He disembarked at Pt. Moresby on 29th August 1943.
On 15th February 1944 he embarked Pt Moresby per "Paul Chandler" and arrived in Brisbane on 20th Feb. He was granted Compassionate Leave without pay for 2 months and discharged from the services on 13th Sep. 1944, after having served overseas for 832 days.
His Medical History Sheet dated 28th Sep. 1944 shows him suffering from Anxiety State and Malaria. The Australian Defence Forces Final Medical Record dated 25th Sep. 1944 indicates Neuritis originated in New Guinea in Oct 1943; Dysentery; New Guinea and Palestine.
The Sheet also shows service in the Middle East & Syria Oct 1940 to March 1942; New Guinea at various locations from September 1942 to Feb. 1943, and again Aug. 1943 to Feb. 1944.
The "Opinion of Medical Board" form indicates diagnosis of invaliding disabilities as Anxiety State & Malaria. In addition, Aubrey complained of vague symptoms of dyspepsia and domestic worries. He was considered not entitled to a war pension. It was only later in his life that Glen learned from his mother that his father had suffered extensively from what is now known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from the time he was discharged for the rest of his life.
Aub. marched with the 2/27th Battalion after the Australian Army Service Corp was wound up in 1973. He mentioned to me that Lieutenant Colonel Geoff. Cooper, commander of the 2/27th was one of his best leaders.
Aub. mentioned to his son Neville about the harrowing journey on an (unarmed/lightly armed but unescorted) troop ship being fearful of submarine attacks.
I presume that this was on the day after leaving Colombo (see ship’s log above). He also spoke of orders being given during air raids in PNG to get in the slit trenches. He recalled two “smart alecks” ignoring this and staying in bed, only to be killed.
On his discharge from the Army, Aub re-opened the Wolseley store.
Aubrey was Secretary of the Wolseley sub-Branch of the Returned Services League for a short time after WW2. His name was also listed on the Honour Roll containing the names of all enlistees from the Wolseley district which was unveiled at The Wolseley Institute in April 1958.
When Eric was discharged from the R.A.A.F. in early 1946 he acquired the business, and Aub. and Maureen moved to Morgan having acquired a Home Service Store there. An advertisement placed by Aub. in the Murray Pioneer, 21st November 1946 read:
"Home Service Store, Morgan.
I wish to notify the Residents of Morgan, Cadell and District, that I have purchased the above Business. In soliciting your Trade, I trust that by Strict Attention to Business, Courtesy and Service, that I shall merit a fair share of your esteemed Patronage. A. S. Fryar (Late 2nd A.LF.), (Formerly of Fryar Bros.), General Storekeepers, Wolseley (S.A.) and Serviceton (Vic.) - Christmas Gifts, Fancy Goods, Toys Etc., arriving daily. Come and Inspect. Remember: Home Service Satisfies."
After about two years at Morgan he and Maureen sold the business, and in the ensuing years owned and managed businesses at the following locations: -
1949 Devon Park Post Office & Delicatessen
1952 Grocery Store at Magill Rd., Maylands
1955 Delicatessen at Young Street, Parkside
1958-1968 Four Square Store at Mt. Compass
After selling the Mt. Compass store in 1968, Aub. & Maureen and family moved to Glenalta where Aub. lived in semi-retirement until 1969 when he & Maureen purchased the Eastwood Gift Shop & Newsagency on Glen Osmond Road which they retained until 1971. Upon sale of this business and whilst still a resident of Glenalta he again semi-retired and worked part-time at GlobeTimber Ltd. at Blackwood, this business later becoming Kauri Timber and now called Banner Hardware. For several years Aubrey and Maureen used to holiday in their caravan in Queensland and Northern New South Wales during the winter months.
Aub. and Maureen had not had a holiday together since prior to the birth of their first child. Usually, one of them would take the children on a brief driving holiday or a stay at the beach (Aldinga), so they decided to take an around the world cruise which was the "in thing" with retirees and older people during the late 1960's and early 1970's. It originated from the involvement of "The Australian Women's Weekly" which still exists today, and the cruises were known by that name in conjunction with P & O, (The Peninsular and Orient Steamship Company); often using the ship "Himalaya".
Maureen and Aub. boarded the "Himalaya" in Sydney in Jan 1973 after travelling overland by train via Melbourne. They sailed to Japan arriving at Kobe on 11th February, then after some sightseeing sailed onto Los Angeles (via Hawaii) where they visited Disneyland. They re-boarded the ship and after visiting San Francisco travelled via the Panama Canal to Southampton where they arrived on 20th March. They then travelled by coach to many countries across Europe. They also visited "Yugoslavia" which at that time was under Communist control, and was made up of the present independent states of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, The Slovak Republic & Montenegro. Whilst in Italy, Maureen had trouble with her blood pressure, and was hospitalized for a short time.
Upon their return from Europe to the UK they were due to visit Ireland, Wales and Scotland, whilst the ship was in dry dock for maintenance, but as Maureen was ill, they went to stay a few weeks with Glen's best man's parents who lived in Rhyll, North Wales. They had a quiet, but enjoyable time with them.
On their return trip which left Southampton on 18th May, the ship called in at some North West African ports (including Dakar, Senegal), and three ports in South Africa before heading for Fremantle W.A. Aub. & Maureen disembarked at Outer Harbour (Adelaide) after a thoroughly enjoyable and very eventful trip. Aub. was known to quip that they tipped someone over the side of the ship almost every night!
In approx. 1976 Aub. & Maureen moved to Clapham for about 14 years and then to Brighton.
Aub. and Maureen had a daughter (Jo.) and then three sons, Glen, Neville & Barry.

Aubrey’s younger brothers’ Eric (mentioned above) and John both enlisted. Eric served with the R.A.A.F. in New Guinea and John served with the Canteen Service in Queensland & the Northern Territory. John sustained severe internal injuries in 1934 when the horse he was driving in a delivery van kicked him in the back. He was treated by a Dr. E. Broadbent and admitted to the Bordertown Memorial Hospital. Later, in the Army he suffered from a gastric ulcer, diarrhoea, dysentery and a bowel problem. Older brother Laurie was married with 8 young children during World War Two. Linda, the oldest of Aub.’s four sisters worked in the Penfield Munitions Factory with Maureen.