Place of birth | Co Meath, Ireland |
Religion | Roman Catholic |
Occupation | Miner |
Address | Wondai, Queensland |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 32 |
Height | 5' 7.5" |
Weight | 145 lbs |
Previous military service | Served for 12.5 years in the British Army; 1 year in the Commonwealth Military Forces. |
Enlistment date | |
Place of enlistment | Brisbane, Queensland |
Rank on enlistment | 2nd Lieutenant |
Unit name | 49th Battalion, 8th Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/66/3 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A64 Demosthenes on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Lieutenant |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 49th Battalion |
Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Military Cross Recommendation date: |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
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: |
Discharge date | |
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 |
Sources | NAA: B2455, McCABE Michael Joseph |