WATKINS, Jack Cosgrove
| Service Number: | 32922 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 8 October 1916, Sydney, New South Wales |
| Last Rank: | Sergeant |
| Last Unit: | 2nd Divisional Ammunition Column |
| Born: | Sydney, New South Wales, 12 February 1893 |
| Home Town: | Waverley, Waverley, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | Surry Hills South Public School |
| Occupation: | Clerk |
| Died: | Natural causes, New South Wales, 13 July 1974, aged 81 years |
| Cemetery: | Not yet discovered |
| Memorials: | Sydney Morning Herald and Sydney Mail Record of War Service |
World War 1 Service
| 8 Oct 1916: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 32922, Sydney, New South Wales | |
|---|---|---|
| 11 May 1917: | Involvement AIF WW1, Gunner, 32922, Field Artillery Brigades, Enlistment/Embarkation WW1, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '4' embarkation_place: Melbourne embarkation_ship: HMAT Shropshire embarkation_ship_number: A9 public_note: '' | |
| 11 May 1917: | Embarked AIF WW1, Gunner, 32922, Field Artillery Brigades, HMAT Shropshire, Melbourne | |
| 25 Jun 1919: | Discharged AIF WW1, Sergeant, 32922, 2nd Divisional Ammunition Column, Acting Sergeant |
Help us honour Jack Cosgrove Watkins's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Add my storyBiography contributed by John Edwards
"Champion lock gained a reputation as a brilliant cover defender during a long career with Easts. Watkins made his first grade debut in 1913, the year Easts won their third consecutive premiership, and played for Australia the following year in the First Test against England. He had to wait another five years to again represent Australia - on the historic tour of NZ - following the conclusion of World War I. 'Bluey' Watkins played in all four Tests against the Kiwis, and was later chosen on the 1921-22 Kangaroo tour. He played in two Tests against England and was rated by the English press as one of the finest locks to tour their country. A regular fixture in the NSW side during 1919-24, he also played in Easts' 15-12 final win over Souths in 1923 and captained the club in his final season in 1926. - Alan Whiticker"- SOURCE (www.rugbyleagueproject.org)
Biography contributed by Faithe Jones
Jack was the second son of the late Mr. Charles Smith Watkins, of Waverley and was born at Surry Hills on 12 February 1893. He was educated at the Surry Hills South Public School and had achieved fame as a footballer, having represented New South Waes and Australia in 1914 gainst the English team, and New South Wales against Queensland and Australia against New Zealand in 1919. He joined the clerical staff of the Sydney Morning Herald in February 1909.
Enlisting in 1916 as a Gunner with the reinforcements for the 5th Artillery Brigade, he proceeded to France and was in the heavy fighting at Ploegsteert, Villers Bretonneux, Mont St. Quentin and Peronee. He remained with the brigade till the signing of the armistice when he went with the A.I.F. football team for England.
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