Ernest Raymond Makin
Personal details
| Mother's name | Hannah Makin (nee Jones) |
| Father's name | Arthur Makin |
Service details
| Date enlisted | Thursday 3 February 1916 |
| Rank at enlistment | Private |
| Rank at discharge | Lance Corporal |
| Service | Infantry |
| Unit | 20th Battalion |
| Awards | Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
Story
Ernest Makin (Service No 4729) was born in Wollongong, NSWaround 1897. Whenhe enlisted, on the 3 February 1916,he was 18 years old, singleand working as atelegraphist. 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, andarrived in France on 7th October 1916 toserve 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 awardedthe Military Medal.
One of threecitation's about his actions that dayreads:
"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.
Information sources
NAA: B2455, MAKIN ERNEST RAYRelated links
https://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1629218/
http://static.awm.gov.au/images/collection/pdf/RCDIG1068586--66-.pdf
https://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1549504/