Regimental number | 1477 |
Place of birth | Reefton New Zealand |
Religion | Roman Catholic |
Occupation | Seaman |
Address | 7 Stevens Street, Yarraville, Victoria |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 22 |
Next of kin | Mother, Mrs O'Connor, Victoria Lane, Auckland, New Zealand |
Enlistment date | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 14th Battalion, 2nd Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/31/1 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A46 Clan Macgillivray on |
Regimental number from Nominal Roll | 1543 |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Lance Corporal |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 4th Light Trench Mortar Battery |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
Medals |
Military Medal 'Is brought to notice for conspicuous daring and gallant conduct during operations on the 18th September, 1918, near LE VERGUIER two Machine Guns in a strongly fortified position were encountered firing on our troops to the right flank with great effect and delaying their advance. Creeping up by the left Lance/Corporal O'CONNOR with his Section Officer attempted to take the enemy unawares. Their approach was observed however, and heavy fire was directed on them. They immediately with great dash and personal disregard of danger rushed the enemy position, shooting 6 men with revolvers and forcing the remainder to surrender. The two Machine Guns together with garrison of 35 were captured, thus enabling the infantry on the flank to go forward. After his Officer had been severely wounded this N.C.O.. led the Section on to the objective. His work during consolidation and the example he set to his men were of the highest order and his outstanding ability and resourcefulness call for special comment. I very strongly recommend Lance Corporal O'CONNOR for his constant and conspicuous courage and dash and the excellent results achieved.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115 Date: Distinguished Conduct Medal Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' Date: |
Other details |
War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front Medals: Distinguished Conduct Medal, Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
Date of death | |
Age at death | 67 |
Place of burial | Te Henui Cemetery, New Plymouth, New Zealand |