The AIF Project

Lawrence O'DONNELL

Regimental number1879
Place of birthGalway Ireland
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationFarmer
AddressNunagin, Western Australia
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation26
Next of kinFather, Timothy O'Donnell, Satchill, Peterswell, Langhsea, County Galway, Ireland
Enlistment date16 March 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll3 April 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name44th Battalion, 2nd Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/61/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Fremantle, Western Australia, on board HMAT A28 Miltiades on 9 August 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll44th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


'Work at St.Yves on 4 June 1917.'
Recommendation date: 6 June 1917

FateReturned to Australia 17 June 1918
Medals

Military Medal

'At ST. YVES on the 4th June, 1917, during a daylight raid, No. 1879 Private Lawrence O'DONNELL was the first "Bayonet" man in a bombing section. He personally killed 10 Germans in a dugout, with rifle fire and bayonet, and brought one prisoner out of the dugout. He showed wonderful bravery and devotion to duty, and set a noble example to the rest of his section. For his actions he is worthy of the highest commendation. A total of 5 Officers and 100 other ranks took part in this raid.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 219
Date: 20 December 1917

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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