AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL FORCE — ATTESTATION PAPER
Attestation Paper of Persons Enlisted for Service Abroad
Regimental number: 3244
Name: William Jas. Henry Wilkinson
Unit: 7th Reinforcements, 18th Battalion [stamped/partly overwritten]
Joined on: 17/8/15
Questions put to the person enlisting:
- What is your name?
William Jas. Henry Wilkinson - In or near what parish or town were you born?
Parish: Melbourne
Town: Melbourne
County: Victoria - Are you a natural-born British subject?
Yes - What is your age?
18 years, 1 month - What is your trade or calling?
Labourer - Are you, or have you been, an apprentice?
No - Are you married?
No - Who is your next of kin?
Mother: Mrs Millie Wilkinson [given name difficult to read]
Original address: [22 Allen Street?], Rozelle, Sydney, N.S.W.
Later address amendment:
“Beulah”
180 Flood Street
Leichhardt, N.S.W.
[Authority reference appears to read “Auth. 4473-11”.] - Have you ever been convicted by the Civil Power?
No - Have you ever been discharged from any part of His Majesty’s Forces
with ignominy, as incorrigible and worthless, following conviction,
after penal servitude, or with disgrace?
No - Do you now belong to, or have you ever served in, His Majesty’s Army,
Marines, Militia, Militia Reserve, Territorial Force, Royal Navy or
Colonial Forces?
“4 years, 30th C.B. Infantry” [?] - Have you stated the whole of your previous service?
Yes - Have you ever been rejected as unfit for His Majesty’s Service?
No - Do you understand that no separation allowance will be issued beyond
an amount which, together with pay, would reach eight shillings per day?
Yes - Are you prepared to undergo inoculation against smallpox and enteric fever?
Yes
Declaration:
“I, William Jas. Henry Wilkinson, do solemnly declare that the above answers
made by me to the above questions are true, and I am willing and hereby
voluntarily agree to serve in the Military Forces of the Commonwealth of
Australia within or beyond the limits of the Commonwealth.”
Date: 23 August 1915
Signature: W. Wilkinson
CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTING OFFICER AND OATH
Certificate of Attesting Officer:
“The foregoing questions were read to the person enlisted in my presence.
I have taken care that he understands each question, and that his answer to
each question has been duly entered as replied to by him.”
Date: 23 August 1915
Attesting officer: A. G. Farleigh [?]
Oath:
“I, William Jas. Henry Wilkinson, swear that I will well and truly serve our
Sovereign Lord the King in the Australian Imperial Force from 23rd Aug. 15
until the end of the War, and a further period of four months thereafter
unless sooner lawfully discharged, dismissed, or removed therefrom; and that
I will resist His Majesty’s enemies and cause His Majesty’s peace to be kept
and maintained; and that I will in all matters appertaining to my service,
faithfully discharge my duty according to law.
SO HELP ME, GOD.”
Signature of person enlisted: W. Wilkinson
Taken and subscribed at: Holdsworthy in
the State of N.S. Wales
this 23rd day of August 1915, before me
Farleigh, Lieutenant
Description of Wilkinson, William J. H. on Enlistment.
Age: 18 years 1 month.
Height: 5 feet 5 inches.
Weight: 9 st. 10 lbs.
Chest Measurement: 33–34½ inches.
Complexion: Sallow.
Eyes: Grey.
Hair: Dark brown.
Religious Denomination: Presbyterian.
DISTINCTIVE MARKS.
Tattoo marks right forearm. Clasped hands.
Four vaccination scars left arm.
CERTIFICATE OF MEDICAL EXAMINATION.
I have examined the above-named person, and find that he does not present any of the following conditions, viz.:—
Scrofula; phthisis; syphilis; impaired constitution; defective intelligence; defects of vision, voice, or hearing; hernia; haemorrhoids; varicose veins, beyond a limited extent; marked varicocele with unusually pendent testicle; inveterate cutaneous disease; chronic ulcers; traces of corporal punishment, or evidence of having been marked with the letters D. or B.C.; contracted or deformed chest; abnormal curvature of spine; or any other disease or physical defect calculated to unfit him for the duties of a soldier.
He can see the required distance with either eye; his heart and lungs are healthy; he has the free use of his joints and limbs; and he declares he is not subject to fits of any description.
I consider him fit for active service.
Date: 17/8/15.
Place: Dept. Public Health Centre.
Signature of Examining Medical Officer.
CERTIFICATE OF COMMANDING OFFICER.
I CERTIFY that this Attestation of the above-named person is correct, and that the required forms have been complied with. I accordingly approve, and appoint him to
7th Reinf. 18th Batt.
Date: 3 Nov 1915
Place: Liverpool.
Lieut.
O.C. 7th Rein., 18th Batt.
Statement of Service of No. 3244
Name: Wilkinson, W. J. H.
Stamp: “7 REIN 18 BATTN”
Army Form B. 103.
Casualty Form—Active Service.
Regiment or Corps: 3rd Battalion, A.I.F.
Regimental No. 3244.
Rank: Pte.
Name: WILKINSON, W. J. H.
Enlisted: 17/8/15.
Terms of Service: Dn. of war and 4 Mos. after.
19-2-16
From whom received: 3rd Bn. B.213.
Taken on strength from 18th Battalion A.I.F.
Place: Tel-el-Kebir.
Date: 14-2-16.
Remarks: A.P. 4656. D.O. 33.
11-3-16
From whom received: 3rd Bn. B2069.
CRIME: Conduct to the prejudice of Good order and Military Discipline.
AWARD: 3 days F.P. No. 2.
Place: Serapeum.
Date: 31-3-16.
Remarks: A.P. 5715. D.O. 40/3328.
22-3-16
From whom received: H.T. “Grampian”.
Embarked for O/Seas ex Alexandria.
Place: Alexandria.
Date: 22-3-16.
Remarks: A.P. 6054.
28-3-16
From whom received: O.C. Troops.
Disemb. ex “Grampian” at Marseilles.
Place: Marseilles.
Date: 28-3-16.
Remarks: L.R. 5128.
28-7-16
From whom received: 3rd Bn. B.213.
Missing in action. (See later report.)
Place: France.
Date: 22/27-7-16.
Remarks: A.Q. 1507. D.O. 72/6368. V.L. 54. 11-8-16.
9-11-16
From whom received: C. of E. & A.A.G., 3rd Echelon, G.H.Q., B.E.F.
Killed in action. (Previously reported missing.)
Place: France.
Date: 22/27-7-16.
Remarks: 30/433/1. Corri. D.O. 92/8369. V.L. 132. 9-11-16.
LIEUT.
Officer i/c Records.
ANZAC SECTION, 3RD ECHELON, G.H.Q.
BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE.
Buried in vicinity of Pozieres.
Station and Date: Rouen, (France) 24th November 1916.
ANZAC SECTION, 3RD ECHELON, G.H.Q., B.E.F.
LIEUT.
Officer i/c Records.
9-11-16
From whom received: C. of E. & A.A.G., 3rd Echelon, G.H.Q., B.E.F.
Killed in action. (Previously reported missing.)
Place: France.
Date: 22/27-7-16.
Remarks: 30/433/1. Corri. D.O. 92/8369. V.L. 132. 9-11-16.
LIEUT.
Officer i/c Records.
ANZAC SECTION, 3RD ECHELON, G.H.Q.
BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE.
Buried in vicinity of Pozieres.
Station and Date: Rouen, (France) 24th November 1916.
ANZAC SECTION, 3RD ECHELON, G.H.Q., B.E.F.
LIEUT.
Officer i/c Records.
Army Form B. 2090A.
FIELD SERVICE.
REPORT of Death of a Soldier to be forwarded to the War Office with the least possible delay after receipt of notification of death on Army Form B. 213 or Army Form A. 36 or from other official documentary sources.
REGIMENT OR CORPS:
3rd Battalion, A.I.F.
Late 18th Battalion, A.I.F.
Reinforcements.
Regtl. No.: 3244.
Rank: Private.
Name: WILKINSON, W. J. H.
Date: 22/27th July 1916.
Place: “In the Field.” France.
Cause of Death: Killed in action.
Nature and Date of Report:
Court of Inquiry proceedings and ruling by A.A.G., Anzac Section, 3rd Echelon, G.H.Q., B.E.F., dated 9/11/16.
Burial:
Place: Not yet to hand.
Date: —
By whom reported: —
State whether he leaves a will or not:
(a) in Pay Book (Army Book 64): Not yet to hand.
(b) in Small Book (if at Base): —
(c) as a separate document: —
All private documents and effects received from the front or hospital, as well as the Pay Book, should be examined, and if any will is found it should be at once forwarded to the War Office.
Any information received as to verbal expressions by a deceased soldier of his wishes as to the disposal of his estate should be reported to the War Office as soon as possible.
A duplicate of this Report is to be sent to the Fixed Centre Paymaster at Home, or to the D.F.A.G., Indian Expeditionary Force, or Field Disbursing Officer, as the case may require, together with the deceased’s Pay Book (after withdrawal of any will from the latter). If the deceased’s Small Book is at the Base, it should be forwarded to the War Office with this Report.
LIEUT.
Officer i/c Records.
Station and Date: Rouen, (France) 24th November 1916.
ANZAC SECTION, 3RD ECHELON, G.H.Q., B.E.F.
Statement of Service of No. 3244.
Name: Wilkinson, W.J.H.
7th Rein. 18th Batt.
TAKEN ON STRENGTH
3rd Bn. 14/2/16.
Awarded 3 days F.P. No. 2
week ending 11/3/16.
Conduct to the prejudice
of good order and
Military discipline.
Reported
MISSING
in action
France
22-27/7/16.
[Killed in action stamp.]
See Copy of B103 for detail.
I have examined the above details and find them correct in every respect.
Subject Missing.
AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL FORCE.
BASE RECORDS OFFICE,
Victoria Barracks,
MELBOURNE.
24th January, 1917.
Dear Sir,
I have to acknowledge receipt of your communication of 5th inst. and enclose herewith as requested, certificate of Report of Death of the late No. 3244, Private W. J. H. Wilkinson, 3rd Battalion, together with Identification Particulars.
Yours faithfully,
J. M. LEAN,
MAJOR.
Officer i/c Base Records.
The Actuary,
Mutual Life & Citizens’ Assurance Coy. Ltd.,
SYDNEY, N.S.W.
AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL FORCE.
Base Records Office, A.I.F.,
24th January, 1917.
Victoria Barracks.
MELBOURNE.
No. 3244, Private W.J.H. Wilkinson,
3rd Battalion,
Melbourne, Victoria.
According to the records, the following particulars apply to:
Place of birth: Melbourne, Victoria.
Age, at date of enlistment: 18 years 1 month. (23/8/15)
Next-of-kin: (Mother) Mrs. Millie Wilkinson,
Height: 5 feet 5 inches.
Complexion: Sallow.
Color of eyes: Grey.
Color of hair: Dark Brown.
Distinctive marks: Tattoo marks right forearm. Clasped hands. 4 Vac. Scars Left Arm.
J. M. LEAN,
Major,
Officer i/c Base Records.
No. 3244,
Private William James Henry Wilkinson,
3rd Battalion,
Australian Imperial Force.
was killed in action.
(No record available) between 22nd and 27th July, 16.
Cable No. C.I.B.I.
724, from the Commandant, A.I.F. Headquarters, dated London,
19th November, 1916, confirmed by Mail from the Commandant, A.I.F.
Headquarters, dated London, 27th November, 1916.
24th January, 17.
Lieut., for Major.
12th January 1918.
Dear Sir,
I have to acknowledge receipt of your communications of the 5th and 9th instants, and enclose herewith, certificates and identification particulars pertaining to the following:—
No. 771 Lce/Cpl. McNicol, G.
No. 5651 Corporal Grady, W.G.
No. 1729 Private Daly, W.
No. 739 Corporal Thompson, J.
The remainder are held over pending confirmation.
Yours faithfully,
Major
Officer i/c Base Records.
The Actuary,
The Mutual Life & Citizens’
Assurance Coy. Ltd.,
Sydney, N.S.W.
No. 3244,
Private William James Henry Wilkinson,
3rd Battalion,
Australian Imperial Force.
was killed in action.
(No record available) between 22nd/27th July, 16.
Cable No. C.I.B.I.
724, from the Commandant, A.I.F. Headquarters, dated London,
19th November, 1916, confirmed by Mail from the Commandant, A.I.F.
Headquarters, dated London, 27th November, 1916.
24th January, 17.
Major.
AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL FORCE.
BASE RECORDS OFFICE,
Victoria Barracks,
MELBOURNE.
31st January, 1917.
Dear Madam,
I have to acknowledge receipt of your communication of (undated), and enclose herewith as requested, certificate of report of death of the late No. 3244, Private W. J. H. Wilkinson, 3rd Battalion.
Your change of address has been noted.
Yours faithfully,
J. M. LEAN,
Major.
Officer i/c Base Records.
Mrs. M. Wilkinson,
“Beulah”,
180 Flood Street,
Leichhardt,
N.S.W.
FINANCE BRANCH.
The late No. 3244 Private W. J. H. Wilkinson,
3rd Battalion, enlisted in the 2nd M.D. on 17.8.15 as a single
man 18 years of age and next-of-kin is stated as:
Mrs. W. Wilkinson, (Mother)
“Beulah”,
180 Flood Street,
Leichhardt,
N.S.W.
He embarked with the 7th Rein. 18th Batt.,
and no will has passed through this Branch to date.
Melbourne,
Major.
Officer i/c Base Records.
RECEIPT FOR MEMORIAL PLAQUE.
I hereby acknowledge having received Memorial Plaque No. 302121.
(Signature) Amelia Wilkinson
(Witness) [illegible] Wilkinson
Date 25-1-23.
Received the Medal
Saturday 17 February
1923
Thank you.
Our new Address
Hampden St
Lakemba
N.S.W.
DECEASED SECTION
FEB 21 1923
RECEIVED
RECEIPT FOR VICTORY MEDAL.
Received from the Officer i/c Base Records, Army Headquarters, one Victory Medal in connexion with the late
No. 3244, Pte. W.J.H. WILKINSON,
3rd Battalion.
Signature Amelia Wilkinson
Date 17 February 1923.
This slip to be returned to the Officer in Charge, Base Records, Victoria Barracks, Melbourne, Victoria, within seven (7) days.
DECEASED SECTION
FEB 21 1923
RECEIVED
RECEIPT SLIP FOR MEMORIAL SCROLL.
Received from the Officer i/c Base Records, Department of Defence, one Memorial Scroll and King’s Message, in connexion with the late
No. 3244, Private W.J.H. Wilkinson,
3rd Battalion,
(Signature) Mrs A. Wilkinson
(Date) 6th December 1921.
This slip is to be returned to the Officer in Charge, Base Records, Victoria Barracks, Melbourne, Victoria, within seven (7) days.
BASE RECORDS
DEC 14 1921
RECEIVED
THE MUTUAL LIFE AND CITIZENS’
ASSURANCE COY. LTD.
WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE BUSINESS OF
CITIZENS’ LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY, LIMITED,
MUTUAL LIFE ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALASIA,
THE AUSTRALIAN WIDOWS’ FUND LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY, LIMITED.
PRINCIPAL OFFICES: SYDNEY, MELBOURNE, ADELAIDE, BRISBANE, PERTH, HOBART, WELLINGTON & LONDON.
(WITH AGENCIES & DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENCIES THROUGHOUT THE COMMONWEALTH & NEW ZEALAND.)
ALL COMMUNICATIONS TO BE
ADDRESSED TO
THE MUTUAL LIFE & CITIZENS’
ASSURANCE COMPANY LTD.
SYDNEY,
5th January, 1917.
Officer i/c Base Records,
Defence Department,
MELBOURNE.
Dear Sir,
We would be obliged if you would send us along as soon as available your usual certificates of death with identity particulars in connection with the below named policyholders of ours who are said to have been killed in action whilst with the Australian Expeditionary Forces.
William James Henry Wilkinson, No. 3244, 3rd Batt. — N.S.W.
George M‘Intosh, No. 771, No. 2 Section, 5th Coy., Aust. Machine Gun Corps, late 17th Batt. — New South Wales.
Harold John Webber, No. 4268, 19th Batt. — New South Wales.
John George Green, No. 3831, 5th Batt. — Victoria.
William Daly — Victoria.
Frederick James Nichols, No. 1879 — Victoria.
Macklam James Martin Kerby, No. 1364 — Victoria.
William Henry Godfrey, No. 590 — Victoria.
Harold Royce Smith — Victoria.
Robert Leslie Stagoll — Victoria.
William Gourlay, No. 6003, 26th Batt. — Queensland.
N. J. Anthony, No. 4672, 25th Batt. — Queensland.
Ezekiel Willings, No. 4247, 25th Batt. — Queensland.
John Thompson — Victoria.
Yours faithfully,
R. D. Miller
Actuary.
Beulah.
180 Flood St
Leichhardt.
Late Rozelle.
Dear Sir,
Could you send me the Death Certificate of Private W. J. H. Wilkinson No. 3244 of 18 Battalion 7 Reinforcement. Killed in action 27 July 1916 in France.
& oblige
Mrs Millie Wilkinson
Army Form B. 2090A.
FIELD SERVICE.
REPORT of Death of a Soldier to be forwarded to the War Office with the least possible delay after receipt of notification of death on Army Form B. 213 or Army Form A. 36 or from other official documentary sources.
REGIMENT
OR
CORPS
3rd Battalion, A.I.F.
Late 18th Battalion, A.I.F.
Reinforcements.
Regtl. No. 3244.
Rank Private.
Name WILKINSON, W. J. H.
Died
Date: 22/27th July 1916.
Place: “In the Field.” France.
Cause of Death: Killed in action.
Nature and Date of Report:
Court of Inquiry proceedings and ruling by A.A.G., Anzac Section, 3rd Echelon, G.H.Q., B.E.F., dated 9/11/16.
Burial
Place: Not yet to hand.
Date: —
By whom reported: —
State whether he leaves a will or not
(a) in Pay Book (Army Book 64): Not yet to hand.
(b) in Small Book (if at Base): —
(c) as a separate document: —
All private documents and effects received from the front or hospital, as well as the Pay Book, should be examined, and if any will is found it should be at once forwarded to the War Office.
Any information received as to verbal expressions by a deceased soldier of his wishes as to the disposal of his estate should be reported to the War Office as soon as possible.
A duplicate of this Report is to be sent to the Fixed Centre Paymaster at Home, or to the D.F.A.G., Indian Expeditionary Force, or Field Disbursing Officer, as the case may require, together with the deceased’s Pay Book (after withdrawal of any will from the latter). If the deceased’s Small Book is at the Base, it should be forwarded to the War Office with this Report.
Signature of Officer in charge
of Section Adjutant-General’s
Office at the Base
LIEUT.
Officer i/c Records.
Station and Date: Rouen, (France) 24th November 1916.
ANZAC SECTION, 3RD ECHELON, G.H.Q., B.E.F.
AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL FORCE.
BASE RECORDS OFFICE,
VICTORIA BARRACKS.
MELBOURNE. 20th October, 1921.
Always state Regimental Number, Rank, Full Name, and Unit of Soldier in your Communication.
Next of Kin should always notify Change of Address to Base Records, Melbourne.
Dear Madam,
It is noted that you are registered on the records of the late No. 3244, Pte. W. J. H. Wilkinson, 3rd Battalion, as next of kin, but, in order that the instructions under the “Deceased Soldiers Estates Act 1918” may be properly complied with when disposing of War Medals, &c., I shall be glad to learn whether there are any nearer blood relations than yourself to the above-named, for instance,
x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x
is his father still alive, if so I shall be much obliged for his name and address at your earliest convenience.
The provisions of a Will have no bearing upon the distribution of Medals unless they are specifically mentioned therein, such mementos being handed over in the following order of relationship, unless good and sufficient reasons for varying the procedure are stated:—
Widow, eldest surviving son, eldest surviving daughter, father, mother, eldest surviving brother, eldest surviving sister, eldest surviving half-brother, eldest surviving half-sister.
Thanking you in anticipation of the favour of an early reply.
Yours faithfully,
J. M. Lean
Major,
Officer in Charge, Base Records.
Mrs. W. Wilkinson,
“Beulah”,
180 Flood Street,
LEICHHARDT,
N.S.W.
DESPATCH
31 OCT 1921
Beulah.
180 Flood Street.
Leichhardt.
Nov. 1st 1921.
Dear Sir,
In reference to your letter concerning the war Medals. I am his Mother & his father is still alive. I gave all the particulars at the Barracks weeks before I got your letter. His father name is William James Henry, 180 Flood St Leichhardt.
My son Name —
Private William James Henry — Number 3244.
Unit 7th of 18 Battalion
I Remain
yours Truly
W. Wilkinson
war medals are to father
Army Form B. 122.
No. 3244
Name Wilkinson, W.J.H.
Corps: [crossed out], 3rd Bn.
Date of Enlistment: 17/8/15
Sheet No. 1
Signature O.C. Company, &c.: A. R. Edwards
Character: [illegible]
Place: Serapeum
Date of offence: 10/3/16
Rank: Pte.
Offence: Neglecting to obey an order before being dismissed from fatigue parade.
Name of Witnesses: [illegible] Martin
Punishment Awarded: 3 days F.P. No. 2
Date of Award or Order dispensing with Trial: 13/3/16
By Whom Awarded: Capt. M. Edwards
Remarks: A.F.B.
Place: [illegible]
Date of offence: 8/4/16
Offence: Absent without leave.
Name of Witnesses: C.S.M. [illegible]
Punishment Awarded: Admonished
Date of Award or Order dispensing with Trial: 8/4/16
By Whom Awarded: Capt. M. Edwards
Remarks: A.F.B.
Place: [illegible]
Date of offence: 19/4/16
Offence: Absent from the billets.
Name of Witnesses: Cpl. Holland
Punishment Awarded: Admonished
Date of Award or Order dispensing with Trial: 19/4/16
By Whom Awarded: Capt. M. Edwards
Remarks: A.F.B.
AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL FORCE.
No. 3244
Rank Pte.
Name WILKINSON, W.J.H.
Unit 3rd Battn, late 18th Battn.
Casualty:
Missing 22.7.16 to 27.7.16. [reference illegible], London 25.8.16.
Previously Reported Missing now Killed in Action
22 to 27 July 1916.
Cable 724/[illegible], London 19/11/16.
DATE — PURPORT
7.9.16
N.O. 2 Advised 22/24.7.16.
16.9.16
COPY MADE FOR WAR PENSIONS.
21.11.16
N.O. 2 ADVISED, KILLED IN ACTION 22–27/7/16.
5.1.17
[illegible] applications asking for Death Cert. & Identity —
O/C sent [illegible].
24.1.17
CONFIRMATION RECEIVED OF
Cable No. C.I.B.I. 724, dated London 27.11.16.
24.11.17
N.O.K. asking for D. Cert. — change of address.
Court of Inquiry proceedings received — B.R.M. 171/1052. K. in A.
18.11.21
Circular B.R.M. 43/1369 & Booklet re 2nd M.D.B.R.M. [illegible] despatched 12.12.19/20.
BRITISH WAR MEDAL to Comdt.
1914/15
STAR
ISSUED
BRITISH WAR MEDAL
ISSUED
No. 79615
VICTORY
MEDAL
ISSUED
No. 29433
MEMORIAL
PLAQUE
To
Father (Rec. 2nd M.D.B.)
Mr W. J. H. Wilkinson
302121
21.11.21
“WHERE THE AUSTRALIANS REST.”
Pamphlet sent to Mr W. J. H. Wilkinson, 28.11.21.
MEMORIAL
SCROLL
To
Father
Mr W. J. H. Wilkinson
30212
28.11.21
VICTORY MEDAL to Father.
R.P.F. 42.
14 FEB 1923
Registered Post No. 2358.
G.P.O. Melbourne.
28/1/23
REGISTER ORDER FORM despatched.
