Second World War veteran, Fred Pinnington, who was born in Alberton, South Australia, recently celebrated his 100th birthday.
Before the war, Fred worked in a jam factory in Adelaide, and then for the now infamous James Hardy company.
In January 1942, at the age of 18, Fred signed up as a cook with the Australian Merchant Navy. He became an able seaman and served in Australian and South East Asian waters aboard a number of vessels.
The last ship he served on was the freighter SS River Derwent, which was a Defensively Armed Merchant Ship (DEMS) built in Brisbane and launched in early 1944.
When the war was over, Fred remained with the Merchant Marine. He says there was so much to do, he never even got married!
Fred says he loved the sailor’s life and the companionships.
He enjoyed rope knot tying and fund raising for his local community when he was younger.
These days, he likes to have a chat and participate in the activities at his aged care facility.
Fred credits his long life to his positive attitude to life, his determination and a daily cup of Robur tea.
#mattkeogh #veterans
