The AIF Project

Magnus James McKAY

Regimental number781
Place of birthSmithtown New South Wales
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationDriller
AddressSmithtown, Macleay River, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation22
Next of kinMother, Mrs J McKay, Smithtown, Macleay River, New South Wales
Enlistment date22 March 1915
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll24 March 1915
Rank on enlistmentDriver
Unit name17th Battalion, Headquarters
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/34/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A32 Themistocles on 12 May 1915
Rank from Nominal RollSergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll17th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 16 January 1919
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Plaque in New South Wales Garden of Remembrance
Medals

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'When his platoon commander had been wounded in the attack on Mont St. Quentin, on the 31 August, 1918, he assumed command, and, being ordered to take on a trench position in the rear, he single handed, covered the movements of his men with rapid rifle fire, inflicting so many casualties that a hostile attack was stopped.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 35
Date: 15 April 1920

Military Medal

'During the operations on 3/4th May against the HINDENBURG Line near NOREUIL, this N.C.O. after putting a german Machine Gun out of action with a rifle grenade, led a party of 12 men into the trench, and after despatching the rest of the crew, proceeded to bomb down the trench, and got a distance of 300 yards. On his party being reduced by casualties to 5 and the enemy counter-attacking in 2 directions, he was forced to fall back 100 yards where he built a barricade which he held until relieved. It was due to his coolness, daring and determination that the relieving troops had a foothold from which to push further forward.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 189
Date: 8 November 1917

Date of death19 February 1947

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