The AIF Project

John Alexander McGAFFIN

Regimental number2083
Place of birthWodonga Victoria
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationHorse breaker
AddressBathanga Park, Ebden, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation22
Next of kinFather, Joseph McGaffin, Bethanga Park, Ebden, Victoria
Enlistment date12 July 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name24th Battalion, 3rd Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/41/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A68 Anchises on 26 August 1915
Rank from Nominal RollSergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll2nd Machine Gun Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Meritorious Service Medal


Recommendation date: 30 January 1919

FateReturned to Australia 15 May 1919
Medals

Meritorious Service Medal

'As Transport Sergeant he has maintained the discipline and efficiency of his section throughout the whole of the unit's service in FRANCE. When the company to which he belongs has been short of Officers, Sergeant McGAFFIN has been at times in sole charge of the Transport. By his ability and energy the utmost assistance has been obtained from his section in passive and active warfare. In the 1916 SOMME offensive, YPRES, 1917, and SOMME, 1918, he carried out the organisation of ammunition, pack and ration transport in a most creditable manner. The care of the animals under his charge has been given his special attention and his work during enemy bombing raids has been an inspiring example to his men. At all times Sergeant McGAFFIN has kept his transport in excellent condition with the minimum of sickness and breakages.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 113
Date: 6 October 1919

Print format    


© The AIF Project 2024, UNSW Canberra. Not to be reproduced without permission.