HAMS Ernest "Ernie"  Percival

Ern was the twelth child and the seventh son of William and Fanny nee Steggall and was a student at the Toolbrunup School. Unfortunately, although he was an 'enthusiastic and capable student' he had to leave his education to help on the farm. Ern received a medal in 1906 for attending every day of school. One of his teachers, Mr Miller, on being transferred, asked if he could take Ern with him!
 Ern had arrived with his family in 1898, his favourite possession was his cat "Bobby"
 Ernie enlisted on 14 August 1916 He was noted as a single farmer aged 22, his father being the next of kin. Ernie departed aboard HMAS Sydney from Fremantle on 22 May 1917. The Nominal Roll gives his unit as the Australian Mounted Divisional Train.
 Ernie’s brother Frederick John Hams also served in WWI, enlisting aged 33 and a half years old, his Sern was 5270.
 Ern and Minnie Daddow of Tambellup were engaged before Ern left for War
 Ern returned to Australia on 20 July 1919
 Zoë Marie Bail: "Ernest married Edith Minnie Daddow. When Ern returned from WW1 he brought home pure Egyptian Silk for Edith's wedding dress, which he threw off the ship to his future wife as he was disembarking. Unfortunately there was not enough silk to make a full length gown therefore her wedding dress was made just below knee length".
 They wed on 16 February 1920. Minnie had almost lost her life in 1921 having their only child, Joy, so no more children were planned. They had taken up land at Pallinup. After 5 years of hard work they decided to live in Perth (Bassendean) so Joy could get a good education.

    
 ERNEST PERCIVAL HAMS             #1
 

However, the country life called and they moved to Corrigin, assured there was a school there.On moving they found the school had closed, so they returned to Bayswater in Perth.
 Ern was restless so started growing roses and won many prizes. He named two varieties Grant Keady and Dale Keady after his grandchildren.
 Ern suffered ill heath with a respiratory condition and developed Emphysema. They moved to Como to be near Joy, her husband Owen and their grandchildren.
 Ernie died on 3 October 1969 aged 74 and is buried at Karrakatta Anglican Section, Lawn No. 5.
 Minnie who died on 18 December 1988 aged 91 is buried adjacent to Ernie
 

Every endeavour has been made to accurately record the details however if you would like to provide additional images and/or newer information we are pleased to update the details on this site. Please use CONTACT at the top of this page to email us. We appreciate your involvement in recording the history of our area.

References:                 Article:       "Family Hams" by Audrey Klingberg and Amelia Moir
                                                   Joyce Hams & Zoë Marie Bail
                                                   Australian War Museum

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Copyright : Gordon Freegard 2024