Eugene AHERN

Regimental number4653
Place of birthMalloy, Co Cork, Ireland
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationScroll worker
Address70 St Pauls Road, Newtown, Sydney, New South Wales
Marital statusMarried
Age at embarkation43
Height5' 8"
Weight161 lbs
Next of kinWife, Mrs M Ahern, 70 St Pauls Road, Newtown, Sydney, New South Wales
Previous military serviceServed in the British Army in South Africa for 2 years; discharged 1901.
Enlistment date18 January 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll28 December 1915
Place of enlistmentSydney, New South Wales
Rank on enlistmentActing Sergeant
Unit name17th Battalion, 12th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/34/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A40 Ceramic on 13 April 1916
Rank from Nominal RollLance Corporal
Unit from Nominal Roll61st Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 31 January 1918
Other details

War service: Egypt, Western Front

Marched into 5th Training Bn, Rollestone, 25 April 1916.

Proceeded overseas to France, 24 September 1916; taken on strength, 17th Bn, Belgium, 24 September 1916, and appointed Acting Sergeant, with pay.

Admitted to 6th Australian Field Ambulance, 2 November 1916 (piles); transferred to 5th General Hospital, Rouen, 4 November 1916; to England, 6 November 1916, and admitted to 3rd London General Hospital (date not recorded); discharged to 2nd Auxiliary Hospital, Southall, 29 November 1916; to No 2 Command Depot, Weymouth, 2 December 1916.

Appointed Acting Sergeant , 5th Training Bn, Rollestone, 25 July 1916. Marched out to Salisbury Plain, 11 January 1917, to 5th Training Bn, Qualified, 8 February 1917, as assistant armourer: 'passed satisfactory examination in his stripping & repair of rifles, MLM Mark I & II, Rifles MLE shop. All marks & all service bayonet.' Appointed Lance Corporal, 27 March 1917. Marched in to No 2 Command Depot, Weymouth, 17 January 1918.

Commenced return to Australia on board HMAT 'Osterley', 31 January 1918; discharged, 22 May 1918 (medically unfit, piles and age), 22 May 1918.

Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal