Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Benjamin Winkler was born in Wallaroo on 21st April 1893. He was the 2nd child of Elizabeth Jane Hicks and Charles William Winkler. Ben enlisted in the Australian Infantry Forces on 27 March 1916 when he was almost 23 years old. His younger brothers, Charles William & Frederick had both enlisted the year before & had already embarked for overseas duty.

On 6 July 1916 before Ben embarked for overseas service he married Doris Pearl Hocking at the residence of Albert J Moore of Wallaroo. According to the Nominal Roll for the 8th Infantry Brigade, 32nd Infantry Battalion, 8th Reinforcements, Ben embarked at Adelaide on board HMAT ‘Ballarat’ on 12th August 1916.

Ben’s service number was 3643 & his unit was the 32nd Battalion. The 32nd Battalion had been raised at Mitcham SA on 9 August 1915. They were involved in heavy fighting in Ypres, Belgium in September 1917 and participated in the battle of Amiens from 8 August 1918. During the operations of 27th - 29th August 1918 covering the advance from Fontaine-les-Cappy to the river Somme, Pte Benjamin Winkler displayed great courage and devotion to duty as a Company Runner. He repeatedly had to cross ground swept by heavy machine gun and artillery fire. His duties were carried out in a most fearless manner and with fine willingness both by day and night and he rendered service to platoon commanders and flanking units. By his utter disregard of personal danger Private Winkler set a very fine standard of devotion to duty and courage to his comrades.

Ben was recommended for the military medal by the Brigadier General 8th Aust infantry Brigade on 8 September 1918 but this may have later been amended to a Mention in Corps Orders

Ben was welcomed home to Wallaroo in February 1919 after 3 years of active service. He was congratulated on his good record. The Cheer-Up Society and a large concourse of people gathered at the station, and gave ringing cheers for the soldier as he left for his home in a motor. Bunting was flown from the corporation offices and many flag staffs in honor of the homecoming hero. The school fife and drum band played lively airs, and on arrival of the train at the station struck up “Home Sweet Home.”

Benjamin Winkler died on 5 July 1978 aged 75 years. His ashes are interred at Centennial Park Cemetery. At that time he had 5 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. His wife Doris (aka Dorrie or Wink), died at the Austral Nursing Home 10 years later on 12 October 1988. She was laid to rest next to Ben at Centennial Park Cemetery.