Ernest Ray Makin

Ernest Makin (Service No 4729) was born in Wollongong, N.S.W. around 1897.  When he enlisted, on the 3 February 1916, he was 18 years old, single and working as a telegraphist.  Ernest had spent 4 years with the Cadets and 5 months in the CMF.

He embarked on HMAT A40 Ceramic with the 12th Reinforcements, 20th Battalion on 13th April 1916, and arrived in France on 7th October 1916 to serve on the Western Front.

On 18th August 1917 he was promoted to Lance Corporal.  He was at Hanabeke Wood on 20th September 1917 where his initiative and bravery in battle resulted in his being awarded the Military Medal.

One of three citation's about his actions that day reads:

"At Hanabeke Wood on 20th September 1917 this man was the battalion signaller and acting as linesman. For 20 hours he was continuously mending breaks in the wires under most trying conditions more than once under an intense enemy barrage. It was due to his grit and determination that communications from front to rear were kept in a good state of repair. His coolness and courage was a fine example to all who saw him.'

On 18th March 1918 Ernest was transferred to the Signal Corps. He returned to Australia in August 1919 and was discharged from the AIF in October 1919.