War service: Egypt, Western Front

Allotted and proceeded to 53rd Bn, Zeitoun, 16 February 1916; taken on strength 53rd Bn, Tel el Kebir, 16 February 1916.

Found guilty, 9 June 1916, Ferry Post, of being absent from parade; awarded 5 days' confined to camp.

Embarked Alexandria to join the British Expeditionary Force, 19 June 1916; disembarked Marseilles, France, 28 June 1916.

Found guilty, 10 July 1916, of being absent from parade; awarded 72 hours' Field Punishment No 2.

Reported missing in action, 19 July 1916.

Identification disc received from Germany, 13 February 1917, no particulars afforded except that soldier is deceased. To be reported as killed in action on the authority of the Assistant Adjutant General, ANZAC Section, War Office, 24 February 1917.

Red Cross File No 2460801: 'The above name appeared on the German death list dated 4-11-16.'

Statement, 3339 Pte J.F. KILLALEA, B Company, 53rd Bn, 30 December 1918: 'Of B. Coy. on 20th July 1916 at Fleurbaix during enemy's counter attack was killed outright by bullet. He was alongside me at the time, but I could not say where he was hit. We were taken P's/W. shortly after. His body would be left on he field ... '

Second statement, 3497 Pte H. CROSSLEY, B Company, 53rd Bn, 8 January1919: 'Of B. Coy. On 19th July 1916 at Fleurbaix during our attack. Was killed outright, he was in enemy's line at the time and I think he must have been killed by bomb. I saw his body lyig in the trench. We were taken Prisoner of War shortly after. I did not examine his body to see where he had been hit.'

Originally listed as 'No known grave'; subsequently identified and buried in Pheasant Wood, Cemetery, Fromelles.