Regimental number | 1360 |
Place of birth | Adelaide South Australia |
Religion | Roman Catholic |
Occupation | Labourer |
Address | Millbrook, South Australia |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 23 |
Next of kin | Father, M Houlahan, Millbrook, South Australia |
Enlistment date | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 10th Battalion, 2nd Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/27/2 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A46 Clan Macgillivray on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Sergeant |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 4th Machine Gun Battalion |
Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Military Medal Recommendation date: |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
Medals |
Military Medal 'For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during the whole of the battle near DERNANCOURT South West of ALBERT on 5th April 1918. Corporal HOULAHAN was in charge of gun on left flank of "A" Company 52nd Battalion. He handled his team in an excellent manner and was of great assistance in the day's operations, inflicting many casualties on the enemy. When enemy penetrated our line, his gun was moved to an exposed position on the railway line to obtain enfilade fire. His brother (NO. 1 on the gun) was seriously wounded at this time, but he carried on as if nothing had happened and remained in this exposed position with his gun until the attack was dispersed. Guns then retired, taking up successive positions, and inflicted casualties every time until our counter-attack was launched. He then advanced and took up a position on the railway, remaining there until relieved. Throughout the battle his disregard for personal danger, and efficient manner in which he attended to details, enabled this gun to inflict heavy casualties on the enemy.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 185 Date: |
Other details | Medals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal |