John Joseph McGRATH

Regimental number5036
Place of birthLiverpool England
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationRailway employee
Address281 Hay Street, East Perth, Western Australia
Marital statusMarried
Age at embarkation30
Next of kinWife, Mrs W McGrath, 281 Hay Street, East Perth, Western Australia
Enlistment date20 November 1915
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll2 November 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name16th Battalion, 16th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/33/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Fremantle, Western Australia, on board HMAT A9 Shropshire on 31 March 1916
Rank from Nominal RollCorporal
Unit from Nominal Roll48th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal (Altered from Distinguished Conduct Medal)


Recommendation date: 5 May 1918

FateReturned to Australia 13 April 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For gallantry and devotion to duty near VILLERS BRETONNEUX on 3rd May, 1918. As a member of the attacking force he showed great determination in reaching his objective through heavy enemy fire. When he and his section were occupying a trench, a machine gun was brought to bear on them from a flank and was causing casualties to his party and others on the flank. Therefore, Corporal McGRATH went out and succeeded in putting the gun out of action thereby saving us heavy casualties. His determination and great gallantry were magnificent and undoubtedly were a great inspiration to his comrades besides saving many casualties in his own Company.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 15
Date: 4 February 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
SourcesNAA: B2455, McGRATH John Joseph