Benjamin McCLEERY

Regimental number29549
Place of birthBelfast, Co Antrim, Ireland
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationPostmaster and Telegraphist
AddressWestonia, Western Australia
Marital statusMarried
Age at embarkation42
Height5' 4"
Weight112 lbs
Next of kinWife, Mrs M McCleery, Edward Street, Osborne Park, Perth, Western Australia
Previous military serviceNil
Enlistment date14 March 1916
Place of enlistmentBlackboy Hill, Western Australia
Rank on enlistmentGunner
Unit nameHowitzer Brigade 118
AWM Embarkation Roll number13/136/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A60 Aeneas on 3 October 1916
Rank from Nominal RollGunner
Unit from Nominal Roll2nd Field Artillery Brigade
FateReturned to Australia 3 September 1919
Discharge date2 December 1919
Other details

War service: Western Front

Embarked Melbourne, 2 October 1916; disembarked Plymouth, England, 19 November 1916. Marched out to Bulford School of Instruction from Reserve Brigae Australian Artillery, 29 December 1916.

Proceeded overseas to France, 15 March 1917; taken on strength, 118 Howitzer Brigade, in the field, 29 March 1917.

Transferred to 2nd Field Artillery Brigade, 28 July 1917.

Appointed Driver, 14 October 1917

.Found guilty, Field General Court Martial, 20 March 1918, of when on Active Service absenting himself without leave from 25 February to 1 March 1918 (5 days): awarded forfeiture of 1 day's pay; total forfeiture, 6 days'pay.

Reverted to Gunner at own request, 23 April 1918.

Detached to 15th Corps Wireless School, 29 July 1918; rejoined unit from detachment.

Admitted to 3rd Australian Field Ambulance, 12 October 1918, and transferred same day to Divisional Rest Station; to 3rd Australian General Hospital,13 October 1918; discharged to duty, 21 October 1918.

Detached to GHQ Wireless Telegraphy School, 6 December 1918; rejoined unit from detachment, 18 January 1919.

On leave to England, 28 January 1919; granted extension of leave pending Non-Military Employment.

Detached to Australian Army Pay Corps, London, for duty, 13 March 1919.

Granted leave with pay, subsistence and fees (£2.0.0) (Non-Military Employment) from 7 April to 7 July 1919; reason: telegraphy, attending Central Telegraphy Office, London.

Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Barambah', 3 September 1919; disembarked Fremantle, 17 October 1919; discharged, Perth, 2 December 1919.

Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal
SourcesNAA: B2455, McCLEERY Benjamin