Cecil Berkeley Jenkins

First Name: 
Cecil
Middle Name: 
Berkeley
Last Name: 
Jenkins
Alternate Spelling: 
Berkley
Date of Birth: 
Wednesday, November 13, 1878
Mother's Name: 
Susan Jenkins (nee Bowen)
Father's Name: 
William Jenkins
Date Enlisted: 
Friday, January 21, 1916
Rank at Enlistment: 
Private
Rank at Discharge: 
Sergeant
Unit: 
35th Battalion
Company: 
C
Service: 
Infantry
Awards: 
British War Medal
Victory Medal
Date of Death: 
Friday, April 5, 1918
Place of Death: 
Villers-Bretonneux, France
Cause of Death: 
Wounds in action
Details: 

Cecil Jenkins (Service No 2616) was born at 'Nudjia', Unanderra, N.S.W.  He attended Sydney Grammar School and went on to University where he qualified to become a solicitor.  Cecil married Kate Wright on 30th April 1914, and their son was born in 1915.

When he enlisted Cecil was 38 years old, and working as a solicitor.  He has previously served as a Lieutenant in the 6th Voilunteeer Infantry Regiment (Australian Rifles).

Cecil embarked on HMAT A11 Ascanius with 5th Reinforcements, 35th Battalion on 25th October 1916.  While on board the Ascanius he served as the orderly room Sergeant but reverted to Private on arrival in England on 28th December 1916.

Cecil was promoted to Corporal on 24th January 1917 and served in England, attending various courses.

In October 1917 his wife died and his son was taken care of by his family.

On 11th October 1917 Cecil arrived in France and joined C Company.  He saw service on the Western Front until 4th April 1918 when he was wounded in action defending Villers-Bretonneaux.  Cecil suffered shell wounds to his abdomen and was evacuated to the 46th Casualty Clearing Station for treatment.  At 12.10pm on 5th April 1918 he died from his wounds.

Cecil is buried in Picquigny British Cemetery Row E, Grave 4.

Sources: 
NAA: B2455, JENKINS CECIL BERKLEY

Comments

If anyone knows of any descendants of Cecil Berkeley Jenkins please contact me judyhoo1@bigpond.com