The AIF Project

Michael Joseph McCABE

Place of birthCo Meath, Ireland
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationMiner
AddressWondai, Queensland
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation32
Height5' 7.5"
Weight145 lbs
Previous military serviceServed for 12.5 years in the British Army; 1 year in the Commonwealth Military Forces.
Enlistment date19 January 1916
Place of enlistmentBrisbane, Queensland
Rank on enlistment2nd Lieutenant
Unit name49th Battalion, 8th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/66/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A64 Demosthenes on 23 December 1916
Rank from Nominal RollLieutenant
Unit from Nominal Roll49th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Cross


Recommendation date: 18 September 1918

FateReturned to Australia 7 February 1919
Medals

Military Cross

'On 15th September 1918, at Le Verguier, north west of St. Quentin, he, with a section of four men, rushed an enemy's position in daylight capturing twenty two prisoners and three machine guns. Exploiting his success, he advanced his platoon to such a position as to enable the flank battalion to advance under cover of his fire. His platoon position was incessantly swept by artillery and machine gun fire, rendering work of organizing and consolidation very difficult, but throughout he displayed great coolness, courage, and initiative.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 129
Date: 20 November 1919

Discharge date4 May 1919
Other details

War service: Western Front

Embarked Sydney, 22 December 1916; disembarked Plymouth, England, 3 March 1917; marched into 4th Training Bn, Codford, 4 March 1917.

On Command at Officer School, Kandahar, 16 April 1917.

Proceeded overseas to France, 7 June 1917; taken on strength, 49th Bn, 21 June 1917.

Admitted to 14th General Hospital, Wimereux, 7 February 1918 (venereal disease: gonorrhoea, slight); transferred to 39th General Hospital, Havre, 9 February 1918; discharged to Australian General Base Depot, 13 May 1918; total period of treatment for venereal disease: 98 days. Rejoined unit, 2 September 1918.

Congratulated by Divisional Commander for having obtained satisfactory report at 4th Army Musketry School.

Admitted to hospital, 16 November 1918 (no further details recorded).

Awarded Military Cross, 21 November 1918.

Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Lancashire', 7 February 1919 (influenza and debility); arrived Melbourne, 24 March 1919, for onward travel by boat to Brisbane; discharged (appointment terminated), 4 May 1919.

Medals: Military Cross, British War Medal, Victory Medal
SourcesNAA: B2455, McCABE Michael Joseph

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