Ernest Edwin KEARNS

Regimental number1897
Place of birthDublin, Ireland
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationTelegraphist
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation31
Height5' 6.5"
Weight164 lbs
Next of kinFather, Albert Kearns, 63 Fardenet Street, Dublin, Ireland
Previous military serviceServed for 11 years in the 9th Missasauga Horse, Canada.
Enlistment date20 October 1915
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll27 October 1915
Place of enlistmentHolsworthy, New South Wales
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name6th Light Horse Regiment, 13th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number10/11/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A60 Aeneas on 20 December 1915
Rank from Nominal RollBattery Sergeant Major
Unit from Nominal Roll14th Field Artillery Brigade
FateReturned to Australia 9 December 1919
Medals

Meritorious Service Medal

'This Warrant Officer has been Battery Sergeant Major of his Battery since 14th September, and has at all times been keen and zealous in the execution of his duties. Whilst in action he voluntarily relieved the Spare Sergeant at the Guns, so that the latter might have a rest at the Wagon Lines. Since the cessation of hostilities he has at all times loyally supported the efforts of his officers, and has materially assisted in increasing the efficiency of his Battery.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 113
Date: 6 October 1919

Discharge date9 April 1920
Other details

War service: Egypt, Western Front

Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Borda', 9 December 1919; disembarked Sydney, 2 February 1920; discharged (termination of period of enlistment), 9 April 19120.

Medals: Meritorious Service Medal, British war Medal, Victory Medal

Changed surname to CAIRNS, Statutory Declaration, 25 May 1950.
Miscellaneous detailsNext of kin incorrectly entered on Embarkation Roll as brother.
Date of death24 January 1956
Place of burialJilliby Cemetery, New South Wales
SourcesNAA: B2455, KEARNS Ernest Edwin