Edward Charles Tonkin was born in Geelong, Victoria, was single and a Mechanic when he enlisted with the 3rd Field Company Engineers, Reinforcement 10 on 22 May 1915 at the age of 20. His unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A70 Ballarat on 6 September 1915. He was hospitalised briefly in November, 1915, for illness (undefined). In December 1916 he was transferred to the 1st ANZAC Ammunition Sub park and reclassified from Sapper to Private with the Ammunition Details. In July 1917 he was awarded forfeiture of 28 days' pay for being absent without leave, but other than this it appears he completed his term of service without major incident, illness or injury, returning home to Australia on 27 April 1919.
Tree No. 3875