Ernest John Henry Mathews
From Our Contribution
 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 24 Oct 1888 |
| Place of Birth | Jarrahdale, Western Australia |
| Death | 10 Dec 1947, aged 58 |
| Place of Death | Armadale, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 53 years, 8 months |
| Description |
5'8" (1.73m) tall ; 133lbs 60.328 kg ; medium complexion ; brown eyes ; brown hair ; scar on left hand |
| Occupation | Mill hand |
| Religion | Congregational |
| Address | William street, Armadale, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Daughter , Ms. Edith Mathews |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | see notes & W85044 |
| Date of Enlistment | 13 Feb 1916 & 28 Jul 1942 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit/Formation | 12th (Jarrah) VDC Battalion |
| Post War Details | |
| Fate | Remained in Australia |
World War 1
Enlisted on 13 Feb 1916 in Jarrahdale. Ernest was sent to Blackboy Hill camp's 55 Depot to undertake basic training, with his intended unit the 13th Reinforcement draft for the 28th Battalion.
Following a Medical Board on 23 Mar 1916 he was recommended for discharge as Medically unfit. He had a pre-existing medical condition - an old fracture to his foot, leaving him unable to march or undertake drills without severe pain. Discharged on 6 May 1916.
Between the wars
During 1912 Ernest had married in Jarrahdale to Margaret Charlotte Waller (1882 - 1933). They had five children including William Thomas Mathews (1914 - 1945) KIA New Britain, and Margaret Edith Mathews (? - 1943).
Electoral Roll entries: 1922 - 1931 at Jarrahdale, mill hand; 1936 at Yarloop, labourer; 1943 at William street, Armadale, mill hand
WW 2 Service
On 20 Aug 1942 Ernest was enlisted in the Volunteer Defence Corps at Bedfordale, and allocated to the 12th (Jarrah) VDC Battalion. On 31 Jul 1944 along with the rest of the unit he was placed in the Reserve.
Notes
During WW1, Ernest enlisted on 13 Feb 1916 but did not serve long enough to be issued an Regimental No. being discharged on 6 May 1916 as Medically unfit. He had a pre-existing medical condition - an old fracture to his foot, leaving him unable to march or undertake drill without severe pain.