Military History

Tanner developed a septic synovial knee whilst training at Blackboy Hill. He was discharged as fit for service.
Embarked Fremantle per HMAT ‘Ulysses’ A38 for Egypt.
Roll Rank T/ Cpl.
Roll Unit 7th Brigade, 28th Battalion, ‘D’ Company, 10th Reinf, AIF.
Tanner disembarked in Egypt with the 28th Bn. His unit entrained to Alexandria, joined BEF and embarked per ‘Minetonka’ for England 2.6.1916. He disembarked at Plymouth 2.6.1916 and marched in to the 7th Training Bn. He proceeded overseas to France 25.7.1916 and reverted to Private when taken on strength in the field 8.8.1916. He fought at Pozieres in August and at Flers on the Somme. Tanner was promoted to Temp/ Cpl. 17.8.1916 then to Cpl. 31.10.1916.
He was KIA 3-6.11.1916 in the attack on Flers, in the Somme Valley (AWM Red Cross files state he was KIA 5.11.1916). Tanner was buried 2 ¾ miles SW of Bapaume. He was later reinterred at Warlencourt British Cemetery, Warlencourt Eaucourt, Arras, Nord pas de Calais, France.
Final Rank Cpl. 28th Bn. AIF.
Medical Condition Dec’d KIA.
Awards and Medals 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal.
Notes Tanner married Mary nee O'Donnell in 1913. (WA Record 8.2.1913 p11) they had two little sons Frederick and Godfrey.  Frederick worked in various occupations including bar tender and grocer.  His wife inherited little in probate from Tanner after his death and a published advertisement by Arnotts Biscuits assisted her supplement her income (Daily News 26.5.1917).  Tanner had two brothers Ernest (SN 7147) also KIA and a brother George (SN 4312) who returned. Tanner's wife moved to Mirrool, NSW. after his death. Tanner’s name is also listed on the Anglican Church Honour Roll in Moora (Midlands Advertiser 10.1.1919).
Not dead to us we loved him dear
Not lost but gone before,
He lives with us in memory still
And will for ever more’
(West Australian Newspaper KIA inserted by his wife and sons 7.12.1916)

Photo HMAT 'Ulysses'. Photographer P.E.F. Schuler, photograph sourced AWM PS0154
           Ruined gardens at Pozieres 1916. Official British War photograph, photograph source AWM EZ0097
           Flers Battlefield. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced AWM E00519
           F. Tanner Obituary. Family Notices. West Australian  7.12.1916  p1
           F Tanner. The Daily News 26.5.1917  p7

Information Source
AWM PS0154. HMAT 'Ulysses'. Photographer P.E.F. Schuler, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM EZ0097. Ruined gardens at Pozieres 1916. Official British War photograph, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM E0051. Fler Battlefields. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection Australian War Memorial
AWM Embarkation Roll Frederick Tanner
AWM Red Cross Files Frederick Tanner
Daily News
East Lancashire Regt. >http://www.wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/allied/eastlancashirergt
Guildford War Memorial
Midland’s Advertiser
NAA: B2455, Tanner Frederick
St Matthew’s Honour Roll
St Matthew’s Fallen
WA Record
West Australian Newspaper



Wise H. and Coy. Western Australian Post Office Directories



Stephen Street, Guildford, WA.

Associated Images