Rees John Jenkins was born in Stawell, VIC and was a Labourer by trade when he enlisted in the 22nd Battalion, 18th Reinforcement on 9 October 1916 at the age of 38. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A20 Hororata on 23 November 1916. He reached England in late January 1917 but was hospitalised in April suffering from pneumonia then influenza. In July he was fit enough to join the 22nd Battalion in France. On July 26th 1918 he was wounded, gassed, and evacuated to hospital. After the war he left England on the Sardinia but his return home was delayed when he failed to re-embark at Fremantle. He was charged with being absent without leave and was fined ú1 and forfeited one day's pay. He then completed his journey on the Marathon and disembarked at Melbourne June 8th 1919.
Tree No. 2551