George Gordon McKAY

Regimental number8968
Place of birthPyramid Hill Victoria
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationGeneral shop assistant
AddressPyramid Hill, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation26
Next of kinFather, J McKay, Pyramid Hill, Victoria
Enlistment date4 August 1915
Rank on enlistmentDriver
Unit name2nd Divisional Ammunition Column
AWM Embarkation Roll number25/90/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A39 Port Macquarie on 16 November 1915
Rank from Nominal RollBombardier
Unit from Nominal Roll5th Field Artillery Brigade
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


'Work near Chateau Wood, near Ypres, on 21 October 1918.'
Recommendation date: 31 October 1917

FateReturned to Australia 6 May 1919
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Plaque in Victorian Garden of Remembrance
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at CHATEAU WOOD (east of YPRES) on 21st October, 1917. Whilst carrying ammunition to the battery, driver McKAY's team was struck by a shell, one horse being killed and two wounded. Under heavy shell fire he freed the wounded horses and took them to safety, thereby setting a fine example of coolness and devotion to duty. Driver McKAY has set a splendid example of soldierly determination throughout the recent operations.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 95
Date: 27 June 1918

Date of death10 May 1972