Regimental number | 3555 |
Religion | Church of England |
Occupation | Labourer |
Address | Eli Street, Yarrawonga, Victoria |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 22 |
Next of kin | Mrs Amelia Walsh, Tarramia, Mulwalla, New South Wales |
Enlistment date | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 24th Battalion, 8th Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/41/2 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A19 Afric on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Sergeant |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 8th Battalion |
Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Military Medal 'Gallantry and initiative near Wysschaete on 22 December 1917.' Recommendation date: |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
Medals |
Military Medal 'On the night of 22nd December in front of WYSSCHAETE a mule team with engineers pontoon wagon, which was carting material to the vicinity of the front line, stampeded along a road leading right into the enemy's line. The move immediately drew down a smart enemy barrage and the Driver was knocked out of the saddle by the concussion of a shell. The wagon was loaded with cupolas and made considerable noise and the enemy opened up a heavy machine gun as well as artillery fire. All working parties were forced to take cover. Sergeant McColl was in charge of a party working near the road and as the runaways came close to the line, he dashed out in the open under heavy fire and, after being dragged for some distance, he succeeded in pulling the team up, receiving a machine gun bullet through the body just as he did so. Though very seriously wounded he hung on to the mules and held them till help arrived. His gallant action and self sacrifice were the means of saving the team and wagon and also averted serious complications for the wiring parties and garrison of the front line.'
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Other details |
War service: Western Front Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal |