MEAKINS, Ernest Leonard
| Service Number: | 122309 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 9 February 1943, Adelaide, SA |
| Last Rank: | Leading Aircraftman |
| Last Unit: | 5 Central Recovery Depot |
| Born: | Angaston, South Australia, 3 October 1924 |
| Home Town: | Angaston, Barossa, South Australia |
| Schooling: | Wilton |
| Occupation: | Garden Labourer |
| Died: | Natural Causes, Kingscote, South Australia, 15 February 2019, aged 94 years |
| Cemetery: |
Kingscote Cemetery (Kangaroo Island), S.A. Plot 1069 |
| Memorials: | Angaston District WW2 Roll of Honour, Angaston War Memorial, Parndana Kangaroo Island Ex-Servicemen Land Settlers 1939-1945 Roll |
World War 2 Service
| 9 Feb 1943: | Involvement 122309 | |
|---|---|---|
| 9 Feb 1943: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Leading Aircraftman, 122309, 5 Central Recovery Depot, Adelaide, SA | |
| 27 Mar 1946: | Discharged | |
| Date unknown: | Involvement |
Help us honour Ernest Leonard Meakins's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Add my storyBiography contributed by Pamela Morgan
Jack was born and raised in Barossa Valley.
Parents were Wilfred Thomas & Elsie Ellen Meakins.
Jack left school at 13 years. Worked for his father and neighbours as a farmhand cutting posts, vineyard work, carting timber with brother Jim. Jack enlisted in the RAAF started training at Mallala, Flemington and finally Pt Pirie. Trained as a fitter and turner. Jack was still completing his training as an aircraft engineer when WWII ceased.
Marrying Peggy Berry in 1947 they got opportunity to move to Kangaroo Island in 1953 to be part of the Soldiers Settelment Scheme clearing blocks of land on the western end of KI.
In 1956 they moved to their block, Section 77 Hundred of Duncan.
It became a very productive farm; with sheep cattle and crops.
Jack & Peg along with family Suzanne, John,Pam,Kate & Leonie worked hard and enjoyed many years developing the land, with a large garden with veggies, orchard and flowers.
Jack & Peg retired into Kingscote in 1984, where Jack continued his love of serving his community with local Council, Lions club for over 40 years,school council, CFS, Ag Bureau, RSL, National Parks,Stokes Bay Hall and Ambulance.
Jack loved sport, playing tennis and later bowls.
Jack received many awards over the years for his service to KI community. Lions Club, Melvin Jones Award and Helen Keller award.
Citizen of the Year and an Order of Australia Medal for his outstanding committment to his community.
He never felt he needed recognition and was humbled by anyone acknowledging his efforts.
Jack passed away Februaryf 2019 at age of 94 years.
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