Community
13 September, 2025
Tully veteran turns 100
TULLY Nursing Home resident Fred Thompson has celebrated joining the Tully RSL’s ‘Centenary Club’.
Born in Muttaburra (QLD), 100 years ago, Fred holds the distinction of being the oldest living Australian veteran of the Korean War, having served in Korea from April 1952 until March 1953.
After the war, Fred worked overseeing stations in central Queensland before settling in the Cassowary Coast. After meeting his wife Marjorie, the couple went on to have two children, five grandchildren and four great grandchildren over the years that followed his return from active service.
Veteran Affairs Minister Matt Keogh joined many other voices to celebrate Fred’s life with a moving statement on his public Facebook account honouring the veterans service and long life.
At the celebration luncheon, Fred was presented with a “Letter of Celebration” from the serving RSM and current soldiers of 1st RAR, who travelled up from Townsville to make the presentation. He was also presented with the “Big Blue One Award” from the First Battalion of The Royal Australian Regiment. A presentation was also made of Fred’s war medals and his father’s medals, which were kindly mounted and framed by the Tully RSL.
Fred is a veteran of the Korean War. He was born in Muttaburra, Queensland (QLD), 100 years ago.
Before his war service, he worked as a station hand in central Queensland. He left Longreach in November 1950 to enlist in the Australian Army. After his initial training, he was posted to the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR). Fred served with 1RAR in Korea from April 1952 until March 1953. With 1RAR, Fred was involved in trench warfare along the United Nations (UN) frontline, called the Jamestown Line.
Fred’s unit spent months holding trenches and patrolled the No Man’s Land between the two front lines. They also participated in several dangerous raids on enemy positions aiming to capture prisoners and destroy fortifications. By the time 1RAR returned to Australia in March 1953, Fred had been promoted to lance corporal and had spent 350 days in Korea.
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