Trooper James Thomas Wilkerson
- Rank
- Trooper
- Appointment
- Australian Army 1915 Egypt, Gallipoli
- Service number
- 71
- Unit
- 10 Light Horse Regiment
- Cause of death
- Killed in Action
- Place of death
- The Nek Gallipoli, Turkey
- Date of death
- 7 August 1915
- Age
- 19
- Plaque number
- M201A
- Co-located plaques
- M201 - PTE Sidney Wilkerson
- Dedicated by
- His family on 14 November 2015
- More information
Biography presented during the plaque dedication:
Trooper James Thomas Wilkerson of 10th Light Horse Regiment was born in Toodyay, Western Australia on 27 December 1895. There were five sons and six daughters in the family, and James was the ninth born to Charles and Ellen Wilkerson of 'Glenavon' near Northam. James was educated at Toodyay state school before moving on to Guildford Grammar to complete his education. He then took up farming duties at the family’s property, 'Glenavon' during which time he became an accomplished horseman.
At the outbreak of war, James, who was then 19 years of age, joined the Army and because of his horsemanship was allocated to A Squadron 10 Light Horse regiment as a trooper. Following initial training with the regiment, they embarked aboard HMAT Mashobra on 8 February 1915 and joined the first convoy to sail from Australia. Arriving in Egypt, the regiment carried out further aspects of training, before leaving their mounts to board sea transports which sailed for Gallipoli and landed troops on the shore of the morning of 25 April 1915. Fearful fighting took place in the valleys and hills with horrendous casualties the consequence.
In August, the high command decided on a break-through tactic which included the Australian Light Horse carrying out a diversionary charge at a place called the Nek. The Nek was approximately the size of two tennis courts and well defended by many machine guns and rifles. At the appointed time, the 8 Light Horse charged and was slaughtered, virtually to the man. Despite seeing what had befallen their brother Victorians, the boys from Western Australia followed them to their deaths. When the whistle blew to get out of their trenches and charge, James was among them. Trooper James Thomas Wilkerson, regimental number 71, was killed in action at the Nek, Gallipoli, on 7 August 1915. He was 19 years of age.
His official memorial is his grave in the Baby 700 Cemetery, Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey, where his headstone is inscribed with “Gone but not forgotten”. His Place of Association is Toodyay.
He is the cousin of Private Sidney Farmer Wilkerson (killed in action).