Emil EK

Regimental number1693
Place of birthObo, Finland
ReligionLutheran
OccupationLabourer
AddressNo 9 Poistskatu Obo, Finland
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation34
Height5' 6.5"
Weight156 lbs
Next of kinMother, Mrs Mimi Ek, No 9 Poistskatu Obo, Finland
Previous military serviceNil
Enlistment date15 May 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name27th Battalion, 2nd Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/44/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAT A61 Kanowna on 23 June 1915
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll2nd Pioneer Battalion
FateKilled in Action 20 September 1917
Place of burialHooge Crater Cemetery (Plot III, Row K, Grave No. 7), Zillebeke, Belgium
Panel number, Roll of Honour,
  Australian War Memorial
172
Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Embarked from Alexandria to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, Gallipoli, 4 September 1915. Disembarked Alexandria ex Mudros, 10 January 1916 (general Gallipoli evacuation). Transferred to 2nd Pioneer Bn, Ismailia, 8 March 1916.

Proceeded from Alexandria to join the British Expeditionary Force, 19 March 1916; disembarked Marseilles, 26 March 1916.

Found guilty, Belgium, 21 June 1916, of breaking out of ranks without leave: forfeited 2 days' pay.

Found guilty, 16 June 1916, of drunkenness: forfeited 2 days' pay.

Marched in to 5th Army Rest Camp, 12 May 1917; rejoined Bn, 27 May 1917.

Killed in action, Belgium, 20 September 1917.

Medals: 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal.

On 21 March 1921 his mother, on receiving his war medals, wrote [translation provided by the Acting Consul, Finnish Consulate, Sydney]: 'Hearty Greetings from Finland. Everything has arrived in good order to its destination. Thank you very much for your trouble. We Finnish people who live here in the beautiful North, in the Country of the thousand lakes wish you Southern people a pleasant and happy summer. Our thanks to you all. Greetings to our countrymen, who live there in the country so far away. A daughter of the North.' Mother's name and address was changed to: Mrs M. Hannu, c/o Pesteljon Koivunen, Klockringaregatan, Abo, Finland.

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