George Wilkins

History

Known as George William Wilkins, Service number 6117, was 19 years old when he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force. He was single and a laborer when he enlisted into the 8th Battalion on the 31st March 1916 in Ballarat. He left for France on the 27th July 1916, he transferred to the 39th Battalion, 23rd September 1916. He was wounded in in Action, France on the 7th June 1917, he returned to Australia 10th September 1917 and was discharged 14th December 1917. He was awarded the Star 1914/15British War Medal 1914-1919 and the Victory Medal, 1914-19. He died 2nd April 1961

Legacy

This person is listed on the Timor Primary School Honour Roll and the Bowenvale Honor Roll

Family

Father: James Wilkins Mother: Sophia Wilkins

See also

Timor

Notes

Maryborough and Dunolly Advertiser (Vic. : 1857 - 1867 ; 1914 - 1918), Wednesday 30 May 1917, page 4

PRIVATE GEORGE WILKINS. Private George Wilkins, 29th Battalion, France, writing to his parents, who reside at Bowenvale, says:"We have just had a three days' march, and are feeling a bit sore and. tired. The weather has been dull. but we haven't had any rain so far. One day it -was snowing, and it was rather uncomfortable with the snow in our faces. The first night our blankets did not arrive, so we had to be contented with burrowing in the straw. It was not too bad; but next morning the fine stuff was all over us, and a fair lot in our clothes. It made us itch, I can tell you. We did not feel very tired that night, as we hadn't been far, but next day we went a bit farther, and were tired at night. We bathed our feet and again got into some straw. We were asleep when someone said our blankets had arrived. We soon wakened up, and had our beds made; it was much better than the straw. We came to our destination to-night (24/3/17), after a long day. The roads here, in some places, are made of large square stones, and are awful to walk on, especially when we have our packs on. The country here is prettier than where we were before. and the farms are much larger. There are some good big hills to climb. Nearly all the houses in the villages have tiled roofs, and some of the farmhouses are. thatched. They are warm-not as good as home, though. I had a letter from F. Hunter the other day; he said they have entered for the "Spring Handicap." I suppose you know what that means. I will finish this again. as it is too dark now. "25/3/17.-Well, they had us out on

parade this morning. It was a bit solid, don't you think, after such a long march. There were some sorrowful-looking faces. I can tell you. I was Inside the farmhouse last night, and the old dame gave me a basin of milk and some broad and butter. It was very nice. They would not take any money for it, either. Some of the people here are grand, but others are out to make what they can out of us. There are four of us in a little room, and it's cosy. I hope we can stay here for a while. but I suppose we will soon be on the march again, To-day is nice and sunny, but it's cold enough for us. We have not had a. mail for a while, so are looking forward to getting a big one."

Mr. and Mrs. ,lames Wilkins, of Bowenvale, received word through the Defence Department yesterday that their son. Private George Wilkins. while on active service somewhere in France. had been wounded. The wire did not state the nature of the wound. and their many friends hope that it is of a very slight nature.

BOWENVALE. WOUNDED SOLDIER. Mr. and Mrs. J. Wilkins, of Bowen-vale. received word several weeks ago that their son, Private G. W. Wilkins, had been wounded. On inquiries be-ing made through the Base Records Office, re the nature of the wounds, they were informed that their son had been admitted to the Devonport Military Hos-pital. England, on June 27, suffering from a severe gunshot wound in the chest. Mr. and Mrs. Wilkins have also this week received a cable from their son, stating that he is progressing well. This cable from their son was sent from England on June 28.

WOUNDED AT MESSINES. BOWENVALE SOLDIER'S EXPERIENCE. Private George 'W. Wilkins 39th Battalion, writing to his parents at Bowenvale, says:-"I was wounded at Messines on June S8 the day after we went over the top. I got hit in the left side of the chest with shrapnel. It made a hole about the size of an egg, but it is healing a little now. I went under two operations in Rouen, before I left France, so I have a hole in my back as well. I suppose that will soon heal, too. I was well treated there while in the hospital, and was sorry, in one way, to leave, but glad to get out of France again for a while. We had a tiresome journey coming across on the boat, then a long train ride. I was glad when we reached here (Devonport Military Hospital). There are not many visitors come here on visiting days. I suppose you read all about the advance at Messines in the papers. It was pretty rough, and Fritz shelled us from the time we left our billets, with gas shells. It was awful. We went over at twenty minutes past two in the morning. Then came the mines and the barrage; it was deafening. I'll not forget it for some time, I bet. I got a packet of letters the other day, and was very pleased to get them. I had fourteen from home, and others from different ones around. Will you tell them all I will write later on, as it's a bit awkward writing yet. I cannot use my left arm at all yet, but suppose it will go right in time . I had a letter from Rupert, and he was expecting to be going home any time. I hope he arrives safely. I lost nearly all my things in France, and now have only my wallet, Bible. comb, and pencil; so you see, I haven't very much to carry about. I had a letter from Jim. He hasn't been too good since he had the trench fever at-Easter time. The walking plays up with him now. Anyone who has never been out there cannot realise what it is like. Although I had only seven months of it, it was enough to last me for a while. I went into Plymouth yesterday, and had a pretty good time. There were crowds of people on the beach (Dartford). You will see I have been shifted since I last wrote. We have not been out much, as the weather has been too bad. It has been raining for three days. The boys here in this ward are real hard cases. We had a concert last night. My arm is a little better, but I cannot use it at all yet. I met a chap named Basil Ross here. He comes from Ballarat; they have a thresher, and used to come up around our way." Since Private Wilkins wrote, word has been received, through the Red Cross Society, to say "he had recovered from his wound, and was discharged from hospital, to camp at Weymouth."

External links

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--Sue McPhan 10:28, 17 May 2022 (AEST)