Charles Thomas Lukins

Charles Thomas Lukins was born on 29th August 1893 in Granya, Victoria, to Robert John Lukins and Susannah, nee Crisp. 

On 6th July 1915, he enlisted at Broadmeadows, Victoria. At the time, he was a single, 21-year-old miner from Granya, Victoria. He was allocated Regimental Number 2713 and placed in the 6th Reinforcements for the 22nd Battalion. Charles gave his next of kin as his father, Robert Lukins. After initial training, he embarked on HMAT A38 Ulysses at Melbourne, Victoria, on 27th October 1915.

During his enlistment period, he was transferred to the 5th Pioneer Battalion on 4th March 1916. 

On 23rd March 1919, he returned to Australia aboard HMAT A40 Ceramic, with the rank of Corporal. He was discharged on 15th May 1919, being awarded the Croix de Guerre (Belgian), the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal for his service during the war.

Upon returning home, he settled in the Granya area and worked as a miner. Charles married Clara Kathleen Matthews in 1929. In 1936, tragedy struck with the death of their one-week-old son, John. He continued his desire to serve his country, enlisting in the Army Citizens' Military Forces in 1941. Around this time, Charles and Kath moved to Tallangatta, where he became a mail and general contractor.

He passed away on 4th September 1961 at Granya, Victoria and was buried in the Granya Cemetery.