The AIF Project

Joseph Patrick O'CONNELL

Regimental number608
Place of birthSouth Yarra, Queensland
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationLabourer
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation26
Height5' 9.5"
Weight165 lbs
Next of kinMother, Mrs Nora O'Connell, 216 Chapel Street, Prahran, Victoria
Previous military serviceNil
Enlistment date30 September 1914
Place of enlistmentMelbourne, Victoria
Rank on enlistmentSapper
Unit name3rd Light Horse Brigade, 3rd Signal Troop
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A51 Chilka on 1 February 1915
Rank from Nominal RollSapper
Unit from Nominal Roll5th Divisional Signal Company
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 6 August 1918

FateReturned to Australia 14 December 1918
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: 14 March 1919

Discharge date5 April 1919
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
SourcesNAA: B2455, O'CONNELL Joseph Patrick

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