WILKESON, Ernest Henry
| Service Number: | 484 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 23 November 1914, Original member of the Battalion Oaklands, South Australia |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 27th Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Norwood, South Australia, 19 November 1895 |
| Home Town: | Lockleys, City of West Torrens, South Australia |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Farrier's Assistant |
| Died: | Killed in Action, Pozieres, Departement de la Somme, France, 4 August 1916, aged 20 years |
| Cemetery: |
Serre Road Cemetery No.2 Beaumont Hamel, France Plot XIII, Row J, Grave 8, Serre Road Cemetery No 2, Beaumont Hamel, Picardie, France |
| Memorials: | Adelaide National War Memorial, Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Norwood Primary School Honour Board |
World War 1 Service
| 23 Nov 1914: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 484, 27th Infantry Battalion, Original member of the Battalion Oaklands, South Australia | |
|---|---|---|
| 31 May 1915: | Embarked AIF WW1, Private, 484, 27th Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '15' embarkation_place: Adelaide embarkation_ship: HMAT Geelong embarkation_ship_number: A2 public_note: '' | |
| 12 Sep 1915: | Involvement AIF WW1, Private, 484, 27th Infantry Battalion, ANZAC / Gallipoli | |
| 4 Aug 1916: | Involvement AIF WW1, Private, 484, 27th Infantry Battalion, Battle for Pozières , Killed in the 7th Brigade attack on the Windmill feature |
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Embarkation Roll (static.awm.gov.au) incorrectly lists Surname as WILKINSON - Service Record (recordsearch.naa.gov.au) shows correct Surname WILKESON
"THE LATE PRIVATE E. H. WILKESON.
Mrs. Mucklow has been informed that her brother, Private E. H. Wilkeson, was killed in action in France on August 4. He was the third son of the late Mr. J. Wilkeson, of Norwood. A brother, Lance-Corporal J. Wilkeson, was wounded in France on September 3." - from the Adelaide Chronicle 21 Oct 1916 (nla.gov.au)
Biography contributed by Adelaide Botanic High School
Ernest Henry Wilkeson was born on the November 19, 1895, in Norwood, South Australia. He was the third son of Mr. James Wilkeson, who tragicaly passed away while Ernest was serving overseas. Standing 5 feet 8 and 1/2 inches tall, with a sturdy build weighing 144 pounds. He was described as having a dark complexion, brown eyes, and dark hair. Before the war, Ernest's occupation was a Farrier's Assistant, and he toiled in the field to provide for his family.
At the age of 19, Ernest enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force. He was assigned as the service number 484 and joined the 27th Battalion, 7th Infantry Brigade, where he have to served as a base depot engineer. His journey began with his departure from Adelaide on HMAT "Geelong" on June 29, 1915.
On November 20, 1915, he was diagnosed with jaundice, a result of the challenging habitats he endured. After spending seven days in the hospital, he rejoined with his battalion on November 27, 1915. Just a few weeks later, on January 3, 1916, Ernest was diagnosed with tonsillitis, and was discharged 8th February. On March 7, 1916, Ernest faced disciplinary action for disobeying orders and straying from his assign position without permission. As a consequence, he was subjected to Field Punishment No. 2,which involved a punishment that period lasting seven days. This action is served as a reminder of the strict military discipline enforcement during that time.
During his service, Private Ernest Henry Wilkeson was part of the 27th Battalion, which played a pivotal role in the Battle of the Somme indicated in 1916. The Battle of the Somme was one of the most brutal and protracted battles of World War I, starting from July 1 to November 18, 1916. It aimed to relieve pressure on the French forces at Verdun and break through the German defends lines.
Tragically, during the Battle of Somme that Private Ernest Henry Wilkeson met his end, killed in action on the 4th August 1916. The battle was depicted by its relentless trench warfare, each side fire heavy artillery bombardments, and deadly auto machine at each other. It was in the midst of this disastrous that Private Wilkeson gave his life to his country. His sacrifice and dedications like that of many others, stands as a testament to the courage of those who served during the Great War.
The fallen soldier who was gifted with a Memorial Scroll, King's Message, and a Victory Medal. His final resting place is located at Serre Road Cemetery No.2 in Beaumont-Hamel, France (Plot XIII, Row J, Grave 8). Rest in peace.
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