Gunner Ernest John Wills 2943

Photograph of the tree planted on the Avenue of Honour, Ballarat, Victoria, in recognition of the service of 2943 Gunner Ernest John Wills. This photograph is from a series of 22 images taken by Trent Parke titled WW1 Avenue of Honour.

Artist's original caption: Gunner Ernest John Wills 2943
4th Australian Division, Heavy and Medium Trench Mortar Brigade
A.I.F.
Enlisted: Aged 33 years: 24th July 1915
(Died of S/Wounds: 2nd June 1917: France)
Height: 5 foot 11 inches Weight: 130 lbs Complexion: Dark Eyes: Brown Hair: Brown
“Dear Madam, With reference to the report of the regrettable loss of your brother, the late No. 2943, Gunner E.J.WILLS, V/41 Trench Mortar Battery, I am now in receipt of advice that he was wounded (shell wound face, left arm, compound fracture spine) in action on 2nd June 1917, and admitted to 9th Australian Field Ambulance, Belgium, where he died the same day. He was buried in Pont D’Achelles British Cemetary, Nieppe, 3 miles North West of Armentiere Belgium.”
Excerpt from letter dated October 1919 to Mrs. G Eltringham from Major. Officer I/C Base Records/National Archives of Australia.