The AIF Project

John Thomas O'BRIEN

Regimental number1426
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationLabourer
AddressElphinstone, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation21
Next of kinFather, John O'Brien, Elphinstone, Victoria
Enlistment date1 September 1915
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll17 July 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name29th Battalion, 1st Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/46/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A11 Ascanius on 10 November 1915
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll5th Pioneer Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal (altered from Distinguished Conduct Medal)


Recommendation date: 4 October 1918

FateReturned to Australia 13 April 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'At BELLICOURT on 29th September 1918, Private O'BRIEN was accompanying his platoon officer through the village, when the officer was wounded. Private O'BRIEN immediately assisted him, and got him to a place of safety. The village was being heavily shelled at the time but Private O'BRIEN after having obtained volunteers returned to the village, and carried his officer to a dugout well clear. He showed exceptional courage throughout the remainder of the day in carrying messages successfully through the heaviest fife for his Company Commander.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 109
Date: 15 September 1919

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