WATKINS, David James
| Service Number: | 1931 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 25 March 1916 |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 39th Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Carngham, Victoria, Australia, March 1894 |
| Home Town: | Carngham, Pyrenees, Victoria |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Farmer |
| Died: | 1939, cause of death not yet discovered, place of death not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: |
Carngham General Cemetery, Victoria, Australia |
| Memorials: |
World War 1 Service
| 25 Mar 1916: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 1931, 39th Infantry Battalion | |
|---|---|---|
| 16 Aug 1916: | Involvement Private, 1931, 39th Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '18' embarkation_place: Melbourne embarkation_ship: RMS Orontes embarkation_ship_number: '' public_note: '' | |
| 16 Aug 1916: | Embarked Private, 1931, 39th Infantry Battalion, RMS Orontes, Melbourne | |
| 7 Jun 1917: | Wounded AIF WW1, Private, 1931, 39th Infantry Battalion, Battle of Messines, GSW to both legs | |
| 25 Aug 1918: | Wounded AIF WW1, Private, 1931, 39th Infantry Battalion, GSW left thigh | |
| 15 Jan 1920: | Discharged AIF WW1, Private, 1931, 39th Infantry Battalion |
Help us honour David James Watkins's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Add my storyBiography contributed by Evan Evans
From Snake Valley & District Historical Society
Private David James Watkins (SRN 19341) was born in Carngham, 1894, to William Watkins and Rose Sullivan.
His occupation was listed as Farmer.
On the 25th March 1916, aged 22, David enlisted in the 39th Battalion, an infantry unit attached to the 3rd Division. He embarked for overseas service in August that year, and travelled to France on the 23rd November 1916.
David suffered severe injuries with gunshot wounds to his legs during two separate battles, the battle of Messines (1917) and again at Bray (1918) - his left leg was later amputated.
He returned to Australia on HT Czaritza in May, 1919. Despite the disability he endured as a result of his injuries, returned to farming at Bradvale.
David James Watkins passed away in 1939. He left behind his wife, Adeline and daughter, Athalie. He is buried at the Carngham Cemetery.
Following his death, the Camperdown Chronicle published an obituary that described a large funeral where David was clearly held in high regard and held the admiration of his community. The obituary states, ‘The dropping of the Poppy of Remembrance into the grave and the sounding of the “Last Post” by bugler E. Wookey concluded the impressive service’.
The photo where David is wearing the hat shows him in what is understood to be convalescent uniform - taken as he recovered from the Battle of Messines in 1917. The convalescent uniform was issued in Britain for recovering soldiers. It became important so soldiers wouldn't be harassed by people thinking they were avoiding their duty to King & country. Patriots would go around & hand out white feathers. This uniform was worn with great pride as it showed they had not only served but had been fighting overseas and had been wounded. The uniform consisted of a white shirt, bright red woven tie and blue jacket. It was also worn with their service dress cap with regimental insignia - unless it was unavailable, then they wore their regimental badge on the lapel.
Info from NAA, SVDHS, Trove and importantly, Janise Cornish - David's Granddaughter.
Click images to start slideshow.