The Mikkelsen brothers

Their father was a Norwegian, Nils Mikkelson. Their mother, Anna Caroline Mikkelson of 1 Kerferd St, Coburg, applied to be naturalised in July 1915. She’d arrived from Bergen, Norway on 2 Feb 1883, lived in  South Melbourne for 2 years; Port Melbourne for 19 years;  North Melbourne for 1 year;  Preston for 2 years; Ascot Vale for 1 year; and Coburg for 7 years. She was married with 3 sons and was 57 years old. She was born 21 January 1858 at Nordfiord, Province of Bergen, Norway.

Christian Michael Mikkelsen's service is commemorated on the Town of Coburg Honour Board, 1914-1918, located at Coburg Town Hall. 

He was born in North Melbourne. A note in his dossier says his father was born in Norway and had been naturalised. He enlisted 7 September 1914 aged 30 years and 7 months,  but was discharged on 10 October 1914. Engineer.  He was discharged because he was not in a fit state, having appeared on parade under the influence of intoxicating liquor - note dated 1 October 1914. He enlisted again in 1915 but was discharged in June 1916 with debility on account of an appendix abscess, and returned to Australia in April 1917. He re-enlisted on on 22 Jan 1917 aged 32 years and 11 months. He was married and living in Northcote at this time.  He went overseas again but saw little action. He continued to have problems with alcohol overseas, including drunk while in hospital in 1920.

6844 Pte Nils Norman Mikkelsen enlisted on 14 March 1917 aged 23 years, occupation tailor.  His next of kin was his wife, Ethel of Kensington.  His war service is also commemorated on the Town of Coburg Honour Board at the Coburg Town Hall.  His name is included in an undated typed list of names made in preparation for the Roll of Honour. Found in item 001137, Coburg Historical Society collection, listed as N.M. Mikkelsen, 1 Kerferd Street.

Courtesy of Cheryl Griffin.