NOW AT REST
Ernest Jentsch - 54th Battalion

Ernest Jentsch was born in Enmore, Sydney in 1893 the first child of Ernest and Alice Jentsch. Living with his parents in Petersham, he was a clerk by trade but also had skills as a motor cyclist, an attribute he made note of on his enlistment papers.

Enlisting in the Australian Imperial Force in June 1915 he was assigned to the 3rd battalion and sent to camp at Liverpool . In November 1915 he left Australia on board the Euripides bound for the Middle East .

Once he arrived he found himself transferred into the newly created 53rd battalion and posted to duties along the Suez Canal where he was promptly promoted. In June he travelled to France onboard the Royal George, proceeding by train to billets in Northern France .

On July 19, Ernest took part in the allied attacks on Fromelles, paying the ultimate price. The 53rd, as one of the attacking battalions of the 14th brigade, was in the thick of the action and it would appear Ernest made it to the German lines before being killed by a sniper's bullet.

His body was recovered by the Germans and he was buried in the mass grave at Pheasant Wood. He is commemorated on the memorial at VC Corner as well as on the Ashfield Bowling Club war memorial.

Photos:

1) Ernest Jentsch AWM P02150.001

2) Ashfield Bowling Club memorial, photo from NSW Memorial Website.