Ernest Wells
From Our Contribution
 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | not known |
| Place of Birth | Winton, Victoria |
| Death | 4 Nov 1961 |
| Place of Death | East Perth, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 24 years, 11 months |
| Description | 5'4" (1.63m) tall; weight 122 lbs (55.3kg); fair complexion, blue eyes, brown hair. |
| Occupation | Sleeper cutter |
| Religion | Presbyterian |
| Address | Wilga, Donnybrook, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Wife Mrs Charlotte Augusta Wells |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | 3656 |
| Date of Enlistment | 27 Sep 1915 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit/Formation | 28th Battalion, 8th Reinforcement /7th Brigade, 2nd Division |
| Date of Embarkation | 17 Jan 1916 |
| Ship Embarked On | HMAT A30 Borda |
| Date of Return | 3 Jul 1917 |
| Ship Returned On | HMAT A63 Karoola in Hospital Ship configuration |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Monument | Jarrahdale |
| Medals |
British War Medal Victory Medal |
Pre War
Had 2 children at time of enlistment
War Service
Entered Blackboy Hill camp on 27 Sep 1915 and wasn't allocated until 1 Nov 1915 when he was placed in the 8th reinforcement draft for the 28th Battalion and travelled with it to Egypt.
Soon after his arrival in Egypt he embarked on HMT Oriana in Alexandria on 21 Mar 1916, arriving in Marseilles, France on 27 Mar 1916.
On 23 Apr 1916 Ernie was taken on strength of the 28th Battalion who at that time were holding the front line in front of Armentieres. Remaining with them until he was taken to hospital with an injury to his head on 28 Jun 1916. Treated by the 73rd Field Ambulance he was able to return to duty on 3 Jul 1916.
Ernie was wounded in action on 29 Jul 1916 with the 28th Battalion holding the line near Messines. His injuries would suggest shrapnel from an artillery shell, as the wound to his thigh had broken the bones. Treated by 4th Field Ambulance, and passed through the 44th Casualty Clearing Station, he was evacuated to the 2nd Australian General Hospital at Wimereux on 2 Aug 1916 before being embarked on HMHS St David in Boulogne on 4 Aug 1916 for England.
His records are silent for the period from arrival in England where he was admitted to the Royal Victoria Hospital until he was transferred to the 1st Australian Auxiliary Hospital in Harefield on 31 May 1917 where the decision was taken to send him home for "change". However a medical report in his file which notes that an attempt to plate the broken 1/3 of his femur was not effective, having come loose and showing signs of displacement backwards.
Discharged at 5th Military District on 18 Feb 1918.
Post War
Following his discharge Ernest received a pension of 60/- fortnightly, wife Charlotte 30/- fortnightly; daughter Alice 20/- fortnightly; and son Ernest George 15/- fortnightly from 19 Feb 1918.
Notes