CUMMING, Ernest Alfred (1868-1937)
Ernest Alfred Cumming was born at Queenscliff, Victoria on 22 March 1868, Ernest Alfred Cumming was the ninth of eleven children of a squatter, John Cumming and Eliza nee Annand.
He was educated as a boarder at Geelong College from 8 February 1881. He was still at the College in 1883 when he was awarded 2nd prize in Euclid in the University Class. Earlier awards included: 1st Prize in Scripture in the Junior Division in 1881. In 1882, he was awarded the following: 1st Prize in Arithmetic in the 4th Class; 1st Prize in Algebra in the 4th Class; 2nd Prize in Euclid in the 4th Class; 2nd Prize in English in the 4th Class; 1st Prize in Scripture in the Junior Division and 2nd Prize in Latin in the 4th Class.
He later studied at the Engineering College, Cooper’s Hill, England, from where he gained a commission (2nd Lieutenant) in the Royal Engineers on 23 November 1889. He retired from the Royal Engineers in 1905, holding the rank of Captain. He rejoined his regiment in 1915 and served in the Great War , attached at times in the Indian Army, and based in Ceylon until the signing of the Armistice.
He died in 1937.
His brothers, Thomas Cumming (1858-1901); Francis (Frank) Miller Cumming (1861-1905); and Henry Leslie Cumming (1866-1929) all boarded at Geelong College.
Sources: Based on an edited extract from Geelong Collegians at the Great War compiled by James Affleck; Pp.161-2 (citing Alexander Henderson, Early Pioneer Families of Victoria and Riverina (1936); The National Archives (London); Pegasus).