discuss document export feedback print share Report a story Record Thomas Frederick Champion Contributor Barbara Elaine Relationship Child Date Posted 12 May 2015 Note Fred born 26 Jan 1905 at Burnetts Face to Rachel & Isaac Champion.He was 4 when his mother died leaving a family of 10.Isaac had to provide for the family & the little ones Fred 4 Ben 2 & Henry 10mths went to Nelson orphanage & were lucky that Mr & Mrs Windelbourn took them from there to live on the farm in Richmond where they put the boys through school & the boys helped out on the farm.Fred spoke fondly of the Windelbourns.Fred worked mainly as a labourer & bushman & by all accounts was hard working.He went overseas in the 20th Battalion in 1940.He & his brother Ben were POW’s in Camp Lucca Italy.In December 1944 Fred married Shirley Raeside living in Westport all their married life & had 3 children.Fred was very much a family man & was widely respected in the community.He was killed in a bush accident on 28 Nov 1967 & is buried in the RSA section of the Orawaiti Cemetery in Westport. Your reason for reporting this contribution Your name Your email address Cancel