Benjamin Arthur Mackrell

Submitted by Mt Kembla Minin... on Fri, 15/05/2015 - 12:49

First Name:

Benjamin

Middle Name:

Arthur

Last Name:

Mackrell

Date of Birth:

Sunday, September 26, 1886

Mother's Name:

Patience Mackrell

Father's Name:

Benjamin Mackrell

Date Enlisted:

Wednesday, October 18, 1916

Rank at Enlistment:

Private

Rank at Discharge:

Private

Unit:

13th Battalion

Company:

Service:

Infantry

Awards:

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Place of Death:

Port Macquarie, N.S.W.

Details:

Benjamin Mackrell (Service No 7039) was born in Seething, England.

Benjamin enlisted when he was living at Port Kembla, N.S.W. at the age of 30. He was single and working as a labourer.

He embarked from Sydney on HMAT A72 Beltana with 13th Battalion, 23rd Reinforcements on 26th November 1916. He joined A Company France on 18th March 1917. During the battle of Bullecourt he was in the trenches near the village of Reincourt and was wounded with a gun shot wound to his leg. Along with many others he was taken prisoner on 11th April 1917. He was admitted to hospital and was treated by the Germans, and when he recovered he was sent to Soltau POW camp.

At the end of the war Banjamin was repatriated to England and returned to Australia in March 1919 and discharged on 2nd June 1919.

Benjamin Mackrell is commemorated on the Wollongong Congregational Church Roll of Honour.

Sources:

NAA: B2455, MACKRELL B A