Herbert James Makin

Submitted by Mt Kembla Minin... on Mon, 19/10/2015 - 10:19

First Name:

Herbert

Middle Name:

James

Last Name:

Makin

Mother's Name:

Mary Makin (nee Derritt)

Father's Name:

Thomas Makin

Date Enlisted:

Monday, January 17, 1916

Rank at Enlistment:

Private

Rank at Discharge:

Private

Unit:

1st Light Horse, 4th Light Horse

Company:

32nd Reinforcement

Service:

Cavalry

Awards:

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Date of Death:

Tuesday, March 19, 1929

Details:

Herbert Makin (Service No 3616) was born in Wollongong, N.S.W. around 1887.

When Herbert enlisted in January 1916, he was 30 years old, married, and working as a fettler. However, in early April he was discharged at the request of his wife, Myrtle, due to the health of their critically ill child.

Herbert enlisted again on 24th May 1916. There is a confusing note on his file (see National Archive of Australia - NAA file) dated12 October 1916, which states Herbert is too old for active service due to his age being 49 years, however at the top of this form his aged is clearly stated as being 30 years and 5 months.

It appears that Herbert enlisted again on 26 April 1917. He then embarked on HMAT A73 Commonwealth with 1st Light Horse on 12th November 1917. Herbert arrived in Egypt on 10th December 1917 and he was transferred to 4th Light Horse on 17th March 1918 and served in the Middle East.

Herbert returned to Australia in March 1920 and was discharged on 20th July 1920.

Sources:

NAA: B2455, MAKIN HERBERT JAMES