The AIF Project

Francis Bernard O'DONNELL

Regimental number6802
Place of birthSydney New South Wales
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationHorse breaker
AddressCanberra House, Kent Street, Sydney, New South Wales
Marital statusMarried
Age at embarkation28
Next of kinWife, Mrs M J O'Donnell, 195 Denison Street, Camperdown, New South Wales
Enlistment date6 November 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll6 September 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name3rd Battalion, 22nd Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/20/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT SS Port Nicholson on 8 November 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll3rd Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


'Work at Hargicourt on 18 September 1918.'
Recommendation date: 2 October 1918

FateReturned to Australia 31 May 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty at HARGICOURT on 18th September, 1918. With is platoon Sergeant and Section leader Private O'DONNELL under heavy machine gun fire rushed an enemy machine gun nest and helped to capture 4 machine guns and 45 prisoners. He killed the crews of two of the guns. Prior to this action he singlehanded captured a small enemy post and garrison of 8. He did excellent work throughout and set a fine example fo determination and fearlessness.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

Print format    


© The AIF Project 2024, UNSW Canberra. Not to be reproduced without permission.