Regimental number | 608 |
Place of birth | South Yarra, Queensland |
Religion | Roman Catholic |
Occupation | Labourer |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 26 |
Height | 5' 9.5" |
Weight | 165 lbs |
Next of kin | Mother, Mrs Nora O'Connell, 216 Chapel Street, Prahran, Victoria |
Previous military service | Nil |
Enlistment date | |
Place of enlistment | Melbourne, Victoria |
Rank on enlistment | Sapper |
Unit name | 3rd Light Horse Brigade, 3rd Signal Troop |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A51 Chilka on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Sapper |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 5th Divisional Signal Company |
Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Military Medal Recommendation date: |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
Medals |
Military Medal 'For courage and devotion to duty. They [608 J.P. O'CONNELL, 4858 J. SEMPLE] are members of No. 3 Section of this Company attached to 14th Australian Infantry Brigade. During successful operations forward of HEILLY on night of 28th/29th July 1918, they performed excellent work under heavy fire from the enemy, in establishing and maintaining telephone communications in the forward area. From 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. on the 28th July the worked consistently and hard in establishing communications, and from 12.30 a.m. until 6 a.m. on the 29th July in maintaining same. They were responsible for the lines to the Advanced Brigade position and the flanks, and during the latter period mentioned, bravely carried out their duties under heavy enemy artillery fire. When our offensive action had ceased, Sapper O'CONNELL did remarkable work and controlled the linesmen forward of Battalions. He was greatly assisted by Sapper SEMPLE. It was largely due to the bravery and devotion to duty of these men that almost continuous communication was maintained throughout the operations and subsequently that normal communications were established.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 36 Date: |
Discharge date | |
Other details |
War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front Commenced return to Australia from London on board HT 'Burma', 14 December 1918; disembarked Melbourne, 29 January 1919; discharged (termination of period of enlistment), Melbourne, 5 April 1919. Medals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
Sources | NAA: B2455, O'CONNELL Joseph Patrick |