Regimental number | 3549 |
Place of birth | Adelaide South Australia |
Religion | Church of England |
Occupation | Labourer |
Address | College Street, Portland Estate, South Australia |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 20 |
Next of kin | Mother, Mrs M McKay, College Street, Portland Estate, South Australia |
Enlistment date | |
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 10th Battalion, 11th Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/27/3 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAT A24 Benalla on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Driver |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 5th Divisional Signal Company |
Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Military Medal 'Work near Villers-Bretonneux on 8 August 1918.' Recommendation date: |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
Medals |
Military Medal 'For courage and devotion to duty. This man is a driver of No. 4 Signal Section of this Company, attached to 15th Australian Infantry Brigade. He did excellent work on the VILLERS BRETONNEUX front on 8th August 1918. When the Brigade followed up the attack of the 2nd Australian Division, the Signal Section moved forward followed by a limber driven by Driver McKAY, and carrying cable, telephone equipment, etc. He had to move over country considerably ahead of any that our transport had yet crossed. Many trenches made his movements very difficult. He had to drive through thick mist under heavy enemy shelling. He succeeded in reaching the first forward station, in rear of the green line, in time to enable the Brigade forward Signal party to follow the attacking party with cable and necessary equipment. With his limber, he kept up with the forward party throughout the advance, and rendered invaluable assistance in delivering cable and other stores at critical periods. He performed these duties over most difficult country and under heavy enemy shell fire. By his courage and devotion to duty he rendered invaluable aid in the maintenance of communications.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61 Date: |