Historical information

Friedrich William Kroschel (Fritz) was born 3rd March 1896(?) in Natimuk, Victoria. His parents were Friedrich August and Dorothea Martha Kroschel.
After passing the medical examinations and the loyalty test applied to all German descendants, he went to Melbourne as Private F.W. Kroschel, Regimental No 6351. 1 Company 18th Re-enforcements, 23rd Battalion. 6th Infantry Brigade.
He left Australia in November 1916 on a ship and went through Durban, Sth Africa.
He was wounded during the battle of Ypres, Belgium and succumbed to his wounds (fractured skull) on the 25th September 1917.
He is buried in Mont Huon Cemetery, near Le Treport, Seine-Maritime, France. On his grave is inscribed: "BE THOU FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH AND I WILL GIVE THEE A CROWN OF LIFE".
The portrait was presumably completed from a photo taken in Mendelssohn photographic studio in Melbourne before he left for the war. His fiancé was named Dora.

Significance

AHS has a significant collection of items from this soldier. He was a local man who lost his life in WW1. He died of his wounds in 2nd Can: Cas: Hospital, Le Treport and is buried in Mont Huon Cemetery, near Le Treport, France. There are a number of items of correspondence to Fred/Fritz from residents in Natimuk, now in the collection of AHS.

Physical description

Black and white portrait drawing of a young Australian soldier in military attire framed in black and golden wooden frame.

Inscriptions & markings

'Mendelssohn' on picture and on back 'Kroschel?'