Ernest Leonard (Jack) MEAKINS
Service Number: 122309
Enlisted: 9 February 1943, Adelaide, SA
Last Rank: Not yet discovered
Last Unit: Not yet discovered
Born: Angaston, South Australia, 3 October 1924
Home Town: Angaston, Barossa, South Australia
Schooling: Wilton
Occupation: Not yet discovered
Died: kingscote S.Australia, 15 February 2019, aged 94 years, cause of death not yet discovered
Cemetery: Kingscote Cemetery (Kangaroo Island), S.A.
Memorials: Angaston District WW2 Roll of Honour, Angaston WW1 & WW2 War Memorial, Parndana Kangaroo Island Ex-Servicemen Land Settlers 1939-1945 Roll
9 Feb 1943: Involvement SN 122309
9 Feb 1943: Enlisted Adelaide, SA
27 Mar 1946: Discharged
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 Settlement 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 commitment to his community. He never felt he needed recognition and was humbled by anyone acknowledging his efforts.
Jack passed away February 2019 at age of 94 years.
https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/521718 [with photo]
See comprehensive obituary appearing in the Islander 4 Mar 2019 : Vale Jack Meakins of KI - a Generous Benefactor.
Item details for: A9301, 122309
National Archives Australia
Family
For sources and more details, click here
Descendants of :
Wilfred Thomas MEAKINS
Wilfred Thomas MEAKINS was born 07 Sep 1888 in Forreston, SA and died 04 Jan 1944 in Vine Vale, SA. He married Elsie Ellen GARRETT 29 Dec 1913 in Angaston, SA. She was born 21 Dec 1894 in Angaston, SA and died 26 Oct 1950 in Adelaide, SA.
Children of Wilfred Thomas MEAKINS and Elsie Ellen GARRETT:
i. Ernest Leonard (Jack) MEAKINS was born 03 Oct 1924 in Angaston, SA and died 15 Feb 2019 in Kingscote, Kangaroo Island, SA. He married Peggy Dawn BERRY. She was born 06 Apr 1926 in Booleroo Centre, SA and died 22 Oct 2009 in Kingscote, Kangaroo Island, SA.
Other events in the life of Ernest Leonard (Jack) MEAKINS
Military: 122309 RAAF
Title: 13 Jun 2005, OAM
Children of Ernest Leonard (Jack) MEAKINS and Peggy Dawn BERRY:
i. Suzanne MEAKINS died 1999
ii. John MEAKINS
iii. Pam MEAKINS
iv. Kate MEAKINS
v. Leonie MEAKINS
Last updated : 14 July 2021
BERRY—MEAKINS.—The engagement is announced of Peggy Dawn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Berry, Truro, to Ernest Leonard (Jack) Meakins, youngest son of Mrs. and the late Mr. W. T. Meakins, Angaston. Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1931 - 1954), Saturday 5 April 1947, page 18
We would like to notify everyone that Jack Meakins passed away peacefully in his sleep last Friday 15th Feb. A funeral service is planned for this Friday 22nd Feb 1.30pm at the Lions Hall Kingscote. Thankyou to all those that helped care for Dad in his last few years. He was proud to serve the KI community, he was well respected and led a full and productive life. - Kate Stanton, Facebook, 18 Feb 2019.
Ernest Leonard (Jack) / Peggy MEAKINS 122309 RAAF 5 Central Recovery Depot Angaston 3 Oct 1924 Kingscote / 15 Feb 2019 Duncan 77