Arthur LAKEMAN
Per his military service record (Depot), Arthur Lakeman was born at Parramatta, N.S.W.[1] He gave his age as 18 years and 1 month, his marital status as single, and his occupation as baker. His description on his Certificate of medical examination was height 5 feet 7 inches tall, weight 8 stone 2 lbs, with a dark complexion, dark brown eyes, and fair hair. His religious denomination was Methodist. His next of kin on his Attestation paper was listed his father, Albert Lakeman, Church Street, Parramatta, N.S.W.
He completed his medical examination at Parramatta, and was attested by Lieutenant R. Howe at Parramatta, on 11th November 1915. He claimed to have two years previous military experience with the 20th Infantry at Parramatta.
He was one of the 41 men who had offered themselves as recruits at the recruiting meeting held for the Coo-ees in the Park at Parramatta on Wednesday evening 10th November 1915.[2]
After completing the Coo-ee March he went to Liverpool Camp with the Coo-ee Detachment. However, his service in the A.I.F. was to be short, as he was underage.
A letter from his mother Mrs A. J. Lakeman in his service record requesting his discharge dated 15th November 1915 stated: “My son Arthur Charles Lakeman enlisted in Parramatta with the Gilgandra Coo-ees on Wednesday night last without my consent as he will not be eighteen till Dec 23 (birth certificate enclosed). I with hold my consent. This boy stutters badly and his eyesight is not good as he tried before to enlist but was turned down on that account”.[3]
He was discharged parents request, being underage, on 25th November 1915.
[1] NAA: B2455, LAKEMAN ARTHUR E.
[2] ‘The procession’, The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate, 13 November 1915, p. 11, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86101767
[3] NAA: B2455, LAKEMAN ARTHUR E, letter to Colonel Simpson, AAG Headquarters, Liverpool, from Mrs A. J. Lakeman, 15 November 1915.
1915 Coo-ee March 