HARBISON, Ernest John Keith
| Service Numbers: | 44614, SX10937 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 11 September 1918, Mitcham Camp Adelaide SA |
| Last Rank: | Major |
| Last Unit: | 2nd/2nd Australian General Hospital |
| Born: | Wallaroo, South Australia, 2 September 1898 |
| Home Town: | Jamestown, Northern Areas, South Australia |
| Schooling: | Prince Alfred College, Adelaide University, South Australia |
| Occupation: | Doctor |
| Died: | Myocardial infarction, Australia, 5 March 1945, aged 46 years |
| Cemetery: |
Lutwyche Cemetery, Brisbane, Qld ANZ 7 74 5 |
| Memorials: | Adelaide WW2 Wall of Remembrance, Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Jamestown and District WW2 Honour Roll |
World War 1 Service
| 11 Sep 1918: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 44614, Army Training Units, Mitcham Camp Adelaide SA | |
|---|---|---|
| 18 Nov 1918: | Discharged AIF WW1, Private, 44614, Army Training Units, Discharged "Cessation of hostilities". Did not embark |
World War 2 Service
| 3 Sep 1939: | Involvement Major, SX10937 | |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Feb 1941: | Enlisted Captain, SX10937, 2nd/2nd Australian General Hospital | |
| 5 Mar 1945: | Involvement Major, SX10937, Homeland Defence - Militia and non deployed forces, Suffered a fatal heart attack - OC 4th Camp Hospital Bowen Hills Qld | |
| Date unknown: | Enlisted Australian Military Forces (Army WW2), Major, SX10937 |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Annette Summers
HARBISON Ernest John Keith MB BS
1898-1945
Ernest John Keith Harbison was born, in Gladstone, SA, on 2nd September 1898. His parents were William Henry Harbison, a medical practitioner, and Nellie Adelaide, nee Jordan. He was educated at Prince Alfred College and studied medicine at the University of Adelaide. While he was still a medical student, he enlisted in the AIF in WWI. However, he was discharged before having to serve, due to the war ending. He returned to his studies and graduated MB BS in 1924. He married Violet Mary Richards, the daughter of Albert Henry Richards and Annie, nee George, on 1st July 1925, and at that time they were living in Wallaroo.
He enlisted in the 2/AIF, on 5th February 1941, and was posted to the 2/2 AGH. The unit had been sent with the first troops to Palestine, and by December 1940 began receiving patients. It was located at Kantara and became a significant centre for plastic surgery. The hospital received much of the work arising from the actions in North Africa; in addition, much time was spent examining soldiers to establish fitness to serve. When Japan entered the war at the end of 1941, the 2/2 AGH was involved in the “Stepsister” movement of the 1st Australian Corps back to Australia and later to Papua New Guinea (PNG). Harbison did not go with the unit to PNG but was promoted major on 16th March 1943 and posted, as OC to 4 Camp Hospital, in Bowen Hills, Brisbane. He suffered a heart attack and died on 5th March 1945. His name is listed on panel 87 of the Australian War Memorial in the Commonwealth area. He is buried at Brisbane (Lutwyche) Cemetery and was survived by his wife, Violet.
Source
Blood, Sweat and Fears III: Medical Practitioners South Australia, who Served in World War 2.
Swain, Jelly, Verco, Summers. Open Books Howden, Adelaide 2019.
Uploaded by Annette Summers AO RFD
Click images to start slideshow.