Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Known as “Reg”, Reginald Claude Jenkins was born in Long Gully, Vic, in 1896, the son of Alfred and Louisa Jenkins.   His father died in 1905 and his mother married Richard Owen Thomas in 1909.    Reg lived with his mother, Mrs Louisa Thomas, at 14 Creeth St, Bendigo.     Some time later his mother moved to 113 Eglington-street, Kew.    Reg was a Methodist, and employed as a Salesman at the Beehive Stores.     He enlisted for service in the A.I.F. on 9th July 1915, aged 19 years & 4 months.   

“At the ‘Beehive’ on Saturday presentations were made to three former employes, Privates Jenkins, Buddle and Marriott, who are shortly leaving for the front.   Mr J. C. Henderson presided.   On behalf of the firm and employes each soldier was presented by Mr. A. Mackay, in the unavoidable absence of Major R. O. Henderson, with a revolver, wristlet watch and belt.   In making the presentation, Mr Mackay eulogised the men for their patriotism, and wished them a safe return . . . .    The recipients fittingly responded. ”    [Bendigonian   21 October 1915]      

On 9.12.15 Reginald Claude Jenkins was appointed to the 14th Reinforcements for the 6th Battalion and allocated Service No. 4526.      He embarked for overseas on 28.1.16 on board “Themistocles”.

“Mrs Buddle, of Bennett-street, Long Gully, has received a cablegram from her son Private Edgar Buddle, in which he states that he and Private Reg. Jenkins, formerly employes at the Beehive, had arrived at Eastern Suez.   Both are well.   They left Melbourne on 29th January on the transport carrying many other Bendigonians and Northern Victorians.”  [Bendigonian   2 March 1916]

Reg Disembarked at Alexandria (28.2.16) and then moved into training camp.    He embarked for France on 29.3.16, and disembarked at Marseilles on 4.4.16.   After some time spent at the Base Depot, he joined the 6th Battalion (17.5.16).  

The 6th Battalion participated in the Battle of Broodseinde Ridge, Ypres, 4 – 5 October, 1917.    Reginald Claude Jenkins was Wounded in action on 4.10.17 and remained on duty.    He is elsewhere referred to as “Signaller” Jenkins.

“JENKINS.- Mrs R. O. Thomas, of 113 Eglington-street, Kew, formerly of Long Gully, has been notified by the Defence department that her youngest son, Signaller Reg. C. Jenkins, 6th Battalion, has been wounded in France.   He enlisted two and a half years ago.  Prior to enlisting Signaller Jenkins was employed at the Beehive Stores.   Another son, Private Sid. Jenkins, was wounded some months ago.”    [Bendigonian   29 November 1917]

On 12.5.18 Reginald Claude Jenkins was appointed Lance Corporal.

In August, 1918, the 6th Battalion participated in the Battle of Amiens.    The Battalion Moved forward on 9th August to continue the advance, and Reg was wounded for the 2nd occasion.   He was admitted to the Lines of Communication Hospital, suffering with a Gunshot Wound to his right hand.    He was transferred to hospital in England, and admitted to Fort Pit Military Hospital (13.8.18), and then to 3rd Auxiliary Hospital (19.8.18).   

He spent some time as a Convalescent and was then discharged to join the Training Battalion.  (22.10.18)    He was transferred to the Signal School on 24.11.18.     On 19.2.19 he embarked for Australia on board Hospital transport “Orca”, classified as Medically Unfit.

“Members of the Beehive Staff who Served in the Great War”: Larna Malone