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Thomas Makin 1893 - 1915

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1975, Private Thomas Makin 14th Battalion Australian War Memorial: Studio portrait of 1975 Private Thomas Makin, 14th Battalion from Korumburra, Victoria. A 22 year old miner prior to enlisting in the AIF on 14 January 1915, he embarked for overseas with the 5th Reinforcements from Melbourne on 17 April 1915 aboard HMAT Hororata. He was killed in action on 8 August 1915 at Kaiajik Dere, Gallipoli and his name is inscribed on the Lone Pine Memorial at Gallipoli with others who have no known grave.   Thomas Makin was born in 1893 at Wollongong New South Wales. His parents were Thomas Makin (1866-1929) and Jane McVicars (1873 - ). Grandparents were Thomas Makin (1838 – 1923) and Mary Ann Derritt (1842 – 1918). Great Grandparents were William Samuel Makin (1802 – 1887) and Eleanor Selina Bolton (1816 – 1890). Thomas enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force 14 January 1915. At that time he was living with his mother at Korumburra, Victoria and his occupati...

William Samuel Makin (1802 - 1887)

Little is known about William from official records. We have him born in Manchester, 1802 and his mother’s name was Agnes. There is no record of how he came to be in Australia. There are a number of William Makin’s (and alternate spelling) in convict lists, but the dates and circumstance rule them out as being our William. William Makin arrived on the Lloyd in 1833. Sentenced to 7 years and didn’t get his Certificate of Freedom until 30 Dec 1842. William Makin arrived on the Earl Grey in 1836. However he is way too young , born in 1820. William McMakin arrived on the Mangles in 1826, however he is too young as he was born in 1807. William Macken arrived on the James Laing in 1834. Sentenced to 7 years and didn’t get his Ticket of Leave until 1838. Also born in 1799 makes him too old. William McMakin arrived on the ship Dorothy in 1820. His movements can be tracked through official records. Unfortunately within those record the surname is spelled 11 different ways. He also...