WILKEY, Claude Ashby
| Service Numbers: | 3467, S76875 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 18 August 1916, Adelaide, South Australia |
| Last Rank: | Lance Corporal |
| Last Unit: | 2nd (SA) Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps (VDC) |
| Born: | Millbrook, South Australia, 20 May 1891 |
| Home Town: | Millbrook, South Australia |
| Schooling: | Millbrook Primary School |
| Occupation: | Woodcutter |
| Died: | Natural causes, Kersbrook, South Australia, 27 November 1975, aged 84 years |
| Cemetery: |
Kersbrook General Cemetery |
| Memorials: | Ballarat Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial, Cudlee Creek Millbrook Public School Roll of Honour, Kersbrook Roll of Honor |
World War 1 Service
| 18 Aug 1916: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 3467, Adelaide, South Australia | |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Feb 1917: | Embarked AIF WW1, Private, 3467, 48th Infantry Battalion, Seeang Bee, Adelaide | |
| 10 Feb 1917: | Involvement AIF WW1, Private, 3467, 48th Infantry Battalion, Enlistment/Embarkation WW1 | |
| 15 Aug 1917: | Wounded AIF WW1, Private, 3467, 48th Infantry Battalion, Third Ypres, Shell wound (hip and arm) | |
| 11 Apr 1918: | Promoted AIF WW1, Lance Corporal, 48th Infantry Battalion | |
| 3 May 1918: | Imprisoned "Peaceful Penetration - Low-Cost, High-Gain Tactics on the Western Front", POW in Germany. Repatriated to England 28 Nov 1918 | |
| 26 May 1919: | Discharged AIF WW1, Lance Corporal, 3467, 48th Infantry Battalion, Returned to Australia: 26 April 1919 per ‘Nevasa’ |
World War 2 Service
| 10 Apr 1942: | Involvement Lance Corporal, S76875, 2nd (SA) Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps (VDC) | |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Apr 1942: | Enlisted Adelaide, SA | |
| 10 Apr 1942: | Enlisted Australian Military Forces (Army WW2), Lance Corporal, S76875 | |
| 22 Oct 1945: | Discharged |
Claude Ashby Wilkey
NAME: Claude Ashby Wilkey
SERVICE NUMBER: 3467
PARENTS: Walter Wilkey and Margaret Byers Wilkey (nee Barnett)
PLACE OF BIRTH: Elliss Flat / Highercombe
DATE OF BIRTH: 20 May 1891
PLACE OF ENLISTMENT: Adelaide
DATE OF ENLISTMENT: 18 October 1916
AGE AT ENLISTMENT: 25 Years 3 months
MARITAL STATUS: Single
NEXT OF KIN: Mother, Margaret Wilkey
OCCUPATION: Woodcutter
RELIGION: Methodist
RANK: Lance Corporal 48th Battalion
MEMORIALS: Ballarat Australian Ex-Prisoner of War Memorial; Cudlee Creek Millbrook Public School Roll of Honor; Kersbrook Roll of Honor.
At Mitcham Camp, Claude completed basic training with E, F and B Coy from 18 October 1916 to 8 December, when he, as a private was transferred to the 9th reinforcement of the 48th Battalion. He embarked A48 Seeang Bee on 10 February 1917, disembarking at Devonport on 2 May. His unit was sent to France on 16 July. Claude joined the 48th Battalion on 3 August.
During action with the 50th at Cabin Hill, France on 11 August, Claude sustained wounds to the left hip and right arm. He was invalided to England and admitted to Northampton War Hospital on 18 August. Army Base Records, Melbourne, notified Claude’s mother on 24 and 28 August of his condition.
On 20 October, Claude committed the offence of failing to salute an Officer and was docked 2 days’ pay. He returned to France, rejoining his unit on 29 November. Claude was appointed Lance Corporal on 11 April 1918.
Claude was reported missing in action on 3 May, and it was feared he had been taken prisoner and was in “German hands.” The A.I.F. confirmed on 9 June that Claude had become a prisoner of war. He was repatriated from Germany, arriving at Dover on 28 November. Claude returned to Australia on the Austral - Glen 5 March 1919 and was discharged on 26 May. Photo courtesy of www,vwma; Private Wilkey C.A.
The Observer of 21 June, 1919 stated: “ Chain of Ponds: The local Soldiers’ Committee arranged a “ Welcome Home” social – Claude Wilkey was a ‘Prisoner of War’ and was released from Germany on the signing of the Armistice. While a prisoner he was made to work loading timber on trucks for the German dugouts.”
Claude was awarded the 1914/15 Star, British war Medal and the Victory Medal.
The Saturday Journal of 6 November, 1926, announced, “Son born on 31 October to Mr. and Mrs. Claude Wilkey of Chain of Ponds.
Claude Wilkey died on 26 November, 1975 aged 84 and was buried at Kersbrook Cemetery.
Source: www.naa;B2455;Wilkey C.A. Barcode 8389268
www.trove.nla.gov/digitised newspapers.
Submitted 25 September 2023 by christopher collins
Biography contributed by Modbury High School
Claude Ashby Wilkey was born in Millbrook SA. Prior to enlisting he was a woodcutter, which was a person who cut wood. His parents are Margret Wilkey 1865-1958 and Walter Wilkey 1859-1912
Claude Wilkey was enlisted on the 18th of October 1916 in the 48th Battalion. Claude Wilkey was Wounded in action on the 11/8/1917. Shot in the arm. he was also captured by the Germans and became a Prisoner of War on the 3/5/1918. Returned back home on the 5th of March 1919.
Biography contributed
Biography written by Grace Collins from Loreto College, attached as a document. Winning entry for 2023 Premier’s ANZAC SPIRIT School Prize.
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