The AIF Project

War service: Egypt, Western Front

Joined 54th Bn, Ferry Post, Egypt, 20 April 1916. transferred to 59th Bn, 12 May 1916; taken on strength, 59th Bn, 18 May 1916.

Proceeded from Alexandria to join the British Expeditionary Force, 18 June 1916; disembarked, Marseilles, 29 June 1916.

Admitted to 15th Field Ambulance, 8 July 1916 (rheumatism); transferred to 12th Casualty Clearing Station, 8 July 1916; to No 1 Ambulance Train, 15 July 1916; to No 1 Convalescent Depot, Boulogne, 23 July 1916; to 5 Division Base Depot, 24 July 1916. Attached to 2nd Anzac Headquarters for duty, 30 September 1916; to New Zealand Division Headquarters, 31 October 1916.

Admitted to 102nd Field Ambulance, 28 December 1916 (bronchitis); transferred to 34 Division Rest Station, 31 December 1916; discharged to duty, 4 January 1916.

Tried by Field General Court Martial, 27 April 1917: 'While on Active Service, committing an act to the prejudice of good order and military discipline, 18 April 1917'. Verdict: Not guilty. Charge related to alleged self-inflicted wound: admitted to 312th West Lancashire Field Ambulance, 18 April 1917 (wound, neck and hand), from detachment with 57th (West Lancashire) Division Headquarters; rejoined 57th Division HQ, 26 April 1917. 3948 Pte W. STEELE wrote: 'I found Pte J. McCORDY ? laying in his bunk at 8.30 this morning. I called him and noticed blood on his hand and neck, I got him away to hospital. I saw the razor on his bed.' 1727 Pte A.M. McCULLY wrote: He has been very much depressed since he has had his PU card. All he seemed to think about was getting to Blighty or Australia. At 7.30 am I saw Pte J. McCORDY arise from his bunk and take something in his hand. He at once returned to his bunk and covered himself up with his blankets. A few minutes afterwards I saw him in a half sitting position with the blanket over his head. He then laid back on his pillow. I saw him about 8.30 with a cut on the hand and neck. I found a razor in his bunk.' 5160 Pte D. NIGHTINGALE wrote: 'About 8.30 am I saw Pte McCORDY being bandaged and helped to take him to hospital. He passed a remark he was right to Blighty-that seemed to be his one wish. He has talked of nothing since he has had his PU card.'

Found guilty, 12 September 1917, of being absent without leave from Tattoo, 29 August, to 8.23 pm. 6 September 1917: awarded 7 days confined to barracks; forfeiture of 9 days pay. Admitted to No 2 Auxiliary Hospital, Southall, London, while on furlough, 14 September 1917; marched in to No 2 Command Depot, Weymouth, 25 September 1917.

Commenced return to Australia on board HMAT 'Berrima', 31 October 1917 (for discharge: arthritis, right knee); disembarked Melbourne for overland travel to Sydney; discharged, 24 May 1918.