Michael William COWAN

Regimental number2301
Place of birthWangaratta, Victoria
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationDraper's assistant
Address74 Reynold Street, Balmain, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation21
Height5' 10"
Weight129 lbs
Next of kinFather, Jas. Cowan, Mackay Street, Wangaratta, Victoria
Enlistment date18 January 1916
Place of enlistmentLiverpool, New South Wales
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name31st Battalion, 4th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/48/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A68 Anchises on 14 March 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll22nd Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 13 September 1918

Distinguished Conduct Medal


Recommendation date: 21 October 1918

FateReturned to Australia 1 July 1919
Medals

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For marked gallantry during operations near Estrees on 4 October, 1918. Prior to the attack he acted a guide to the ration and ammunition carrying parties, and under heavy fire guided a party to the front line posts. During the attack he carried despatches under intense machine gun fire to the forward posts.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 35
Date: 15 April 1920

Military Medal


Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919

Other details

War service: Egypt, Western Front

Medals: Distinguished Conduct Medal, Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death7 January 1970
Place of burialBoxhill Cemetery, Victoria