WILKS, Lancelot Frank
| Service Numbers: | 26080, S212922 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 4 July 1940 |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 18 Garrison Battalion (SA) |
| Born: | Wellington, South Australia., 17 July 1891 |
| Home Town: | Meningie, The Coorong, South Australia |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Farmer |
| Died: | Natural Causes, Adelaide, South Australia., 13 July 1962, aged 70 years |
| Cemetery: |
West Terrace Cemetery (General) West Terrace Cemetery Section: AIF Kendrew Oval Row Number: 7A |
| Memorials: |
World War 1 Service
| 1 Aug 1916: | Involvement Gunner, 26080, 6th Field Artillery Brigade , --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '4' embarkation_place: Melbourne embarkation_ship: HMAT Orsova embarkation_ship_number: A67 public_note: '' | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Aug 1916: | Embarked Gunner, 26080, 6th Field Artillery Brigade , HMAT Orsova, Melbourne |
World War 2 Service
| 4 Jul 1940: | Involvement Private, S212922 | |
|---|---|---|
| 4 Jul 1940: | Enlisted Keswick, SA | |
| 4 Jul 1940: | Enlisted Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Private, S212922 | |
| 10 Feb 1943: | Discharged Private, S212922, 18 Garrison Battalion (SA) |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Thomas More College
Frank Lancelot Wilks, service number 26080, was born in Poltalloch, South Australia. Standing at 5 feet 7 ½ inches tall, weighing 142 pounds, with a chest measurement of 34-36 inches, he was described as having a dark complexion, brown eyes, and brown hair. At 24 years and 6 months old, Wilks enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force during World War I, officially declared fit for service on February 4, 1916.
Coming from a farming background, Wilks remained single and unmarried throughout the war. His next of kin(closest relative) was his mother, Emma Wilks, who lived at Springbank Road in Clarence Park, South Australia. On February 4, 1916, her address was formally updated as Lancelot prepared for military service.
On 1st August 1916 Lancelot embarked from Australia, arriving in England 14th September. After completing more training he proceeded overseas to France from Folkestone on 18th December 1916. The next day he marched in to the Australian General Base Depot.
He was transferred to the 2nd Division Artillery at Etaples 29th December 1916. He achieved the rank of Gunner 4th February 1917, a role he fulfilled throughout the remainder of the war. He returned to Australia 8th October 1919, disembarking 24th November 1919. He was discharged from the 1st AIF 8th January 1920.
Wilks also served during WW2 enlisting 4th July 1940. He served in South Australia and NSW and was discharged 10th February 1943
He lived a long life after his military service, passing away from natural causes on July 13, 1962, in Adelaide, South Australia. He was buried in West Terrace Cemetery, Row 7a.
Lancelot Wilks is remembered for his service in both World Wars.
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