Frederick Haliday was the son of Arthur Auston Haliday and Annie Harriet Haliday. Born at Remuera, Auckland, New Zealand. Served in Egypt, at Gallipoli and in Palestine, 1914-19.

His parents moved around, finally settling in Karaka in September 1902 - Frederick was 10 years old at the time. Growing up, he helped on his parents farm for a few years, until as a young man he did agricultural contract work with a team of horses such as ploughing, sowing seeds and fertilizer. Some of his work was at Wesley College, Paerata. Later he moved to Auckland where he was employed by JJ Craig, driving a horse drawn wagon delivering goods in the city and suburban farms. He signed up on the First World War when war was declared and was drafted into Auckland Mounted Rifles for training.

Frederick returned home in 1919 with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant but not a well man. He returned home for awhile but spent his remaining years in and out of Hospital. He was not injured while serving overseas. While attending to a horse abroad in Australia, the horse lost its footing and fell on him, resulting in bruising of his hip bone, which then developed into gangrene of the bone. This resulted in Frederick spending his remaining years in considerable pain. He died in the Auckland Hospital on the 6th May 1921 and is buried in the Otahuhu Public Cemetery.

Letter written by Fred to his brother Vic Cray while in hospital - No 6 Ward, Auckland Hospital, Sunday 9th May 1920.
"Be sure to write. Please excuse the scribble. I'm lying on my back and have a lot of pain.

Dear Vic,

I suppose you will not say 'no' to a line from me. No doubt you have already heard that this joint is closed to visitors owing to the fire. They were all coming down from Puke today by motor but alas the fire broke out too soon. Well Vic thats just a little bad news to tell you. Secondly I will be here about a year. The bone is affected and I have to go with 'plaster of paris' for that period. Now Vic I have not yet told anyone so please keep this absolutely to yourself. How are you all getting along at home! I feel alright in myself but I suffer a lot of pain. Am looking forward to seeing you soon. Best love to all and Myrt and Peter.

Your loving brother,
Fred"

Next of Kin: Mr A. Haliday, Runciman, Auckland (Roll of Honour, Auckland Province 1914-1918 (Volume 1)) AWMM