Ernest Herbert Shannon

Ernest Shannon (Service No 40) was born in Wollongong, N,.S.W. around 1878. 

In 1905 he married Lena Bushby and they had a daughter, however by the time Ernest enlisted the couple had separated.

When Ernest enlisted he was 37 years old and worked as a linesman, and had served 18 months in the Militia. 

He embarked from Sydney on board HMAT A35 Berrima with C Company, 20th Battalion, on 25th June 1915.  Soon after arriving in Egypt he was sent to Gallipoli and arrived there on 16th August 1915.

On 1st September Ernest was promoted to Sergeant.  After the evacuation he returned to Egypt and was then sent on to France, arriving on 25th March 1916.

He saw service on the Western Front until he became ill and was admitted to hospital in Belgium on 6th October 1916.  Ernest returned to his unit on 28th October 1916.  On 4th December he reverted to the rank of Corporal. 

Back in France he was wounded in action on 5th February 1917 and taken to 3rd Canadian General Hospital for treatment of shrapnel wounds to the neck, shoulder and ribs.  Ernest developed gas gangrene and haemothorax and died on 10th February from these complications.

He is buried in Bologne Eastern Cemetery, France: Plot VIII, Row B, Grave 193.

Ernest's wife, Lena, died in 1919 and their daughter was taken in by her Aunt.