Michael Francis SKELTON
General Draper, Katanning
Michael Skelton was born in Dublin, Ireland, on September 4, 1888, the son of Henry Thomas Skelton. Coming to Australia with his mother while still quite a child, he received his education at the Christian Brothers’ College in Perth. On finishing school at the age of sixteen he became engaged in the drapery business with the firm of Robertson & Moffat in the city, where he obtained a good general insight into the trade.
Michael Francis Skelton
Leaving this establishment, he turned his attention to other pursuits for a short time but returned to his former line of business becoming connected with the wholesale trade in the warehouse of Messrs. Beath, Schiess, & Co., of Murray Street, Perth.
He remained with this firm for some considerable time, during which he gained valuable experience in wholesale dealing. Mr Skelton then augmented his knowledge of the retail business, first in Charles Moore & Co.’s establishment in Hay Street, and at a later date joining the staff of the Economic Stores. During his two years with Economic Stores he was the only country representative of the firm.
In 1911 Mr. Skelton launched out on his own account by opening a business on Austral Terrace, Katanning, where he commanded a large share of the patronage of the district. Mr. Skelton was prominent in the Hibernian Australian Catholic Benefit Society, being honorary secretary of the Katanning branch.
He also took a live interest in the Young Australian League and worked with energy for the promotion of the ends and aims of this worthy cause. He was a keen advocate for all that is clean and healthy in the world of sport, and occupied leading official positions in several of the local clubs, football perhaps having the premier place in his interest.
World War One Service
He enlisted for World War One in September, 1915, showing his parents address in Cottesloe. He was posted to the 28th Battalion, 7th Reinforcement and the unit embarked from Fremantle, Western Australia, on board HMAT A7 Medic on 18 January 1916. Michael saw service on the Western Front and was presented with the British War Medal [2] and the Victory Medal [2].
His war record is marked “Effective abroad (still overseas).” There is no record showing his return home.