| Regimental number | 1804 |
| Date of birth | |
| Place of birth | Brisbane, Queensland |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Occupation | Labourer |
| Address | Blackboy Hill, Western Australia |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 23 |
| Height | 5' 8" |
| Weight | 158 lbs |
| Next of kin | Mother, Mrs Kate Carroll, Kurrawang PO, Kurrawang via Kalgoorlie, Western Australia |
| Previous military service | Nil |
| Enlistment date | |
| Place of enlistment | Blackboy Hill, Western Australia |
| Rank on enlistment | Private |
| Unit name | 44th Battalion, 2nd Reinforcement |
| AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/61/2 |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Fremantle, Western Australia, on board HMAT A28 Miltiades on |
| Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
| Unit from Nominal Roll | 44th Battalion |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Medals |
Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery. During an attack, immediately the barrage lifted, Private John Carroll rushed the enemy's trench and bayoneted four of the enemy. He then noticed a comrade in difficulties, and at once proceeded to his comrade's assistance and killed one of the enemy. He continued working ahead with great determination until he came across a machine gun and team of four men in a shell hold. Single handed he attacked the entire team, killing three of the men and capturing the gun. Later on, two of his comrades were buried by a shell, and, in spite of very heavy shelling and machine gun fire, he managed to extricate them. During the 96 hours the battalion was in the line, Private Carroll displayed most wonderful courage and fearlessness. His magnificent example of gallantry and devotion to duty inspired all ranks in his battalion.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 219 Date: |
| Other details |
War service: Western Front Embarked Fremantle, 7 August 1916. Found guilty, at sea, 2 September 1916, of being absent without leave from Roll Call, 5 pm, 29 August, till 9.30 am, 30 August 1916: awarded 7 days' detention, and forfeited 9 days' pay. Disembarked Plymouth, England [date not recorded], and marched in to 11th Training Bn, 1 October 1916. Proceeded overseas to France, 21 November 1916. Found guilty, 3 May 1917, of while on active service failing to appear at a place of rendezvous appointed by his CO in that he at Regina Camp on 2/5/17 when in billets at that place failed to appear on parade at 2 pm (2) in that he when in billets at Regina Camp failed to appear at parade ground at 9.45 pm, 2/5/17: awarded 2 days' Field Punishment No 2. Found guilty of while on active service losing by neglect his equipment and regimental necessaries in that he in the Field on about 2/5/17 was deficient of one small box respirator valued at 12/6d: awarded by OC New Zealand Working Bn to pay cost of replacement. Awarded Victoria Cross, 7 August 1917, for action in the offensive at St Yves, 7-12 June 1917. Marched in to No 1 Convalescent Depot, Boulogne, 14 July 1917; to 3rd Australian Division Base Depot, Havre, 21 July 1917. Found guilty, 18 July 1917, of when on active service being in a cafe during prohibited hours: awarded forfeiture of 1 day's pay. Rejoined unit, 19 August 1917. Appointed Lance Corporal, 19 September 1917. Wounded in action, 12 October 1917, and admitted same day to 25th General Hospital, Boulogne (gun shot wound, right buttock); transferred to England, 20 October 1917, and admitted to Northfield War Hospital, Birmingham, 21 October 1917; transferred to 3rd Auxiliary Hospital, Dartford, 28 November 1917. Granted furlough, 1-15 December 1917, to report to No 1 Command Depot. Admitted to Military Hospital, Sutton Veny, 28 January 1918 (sprained ankle); discharged, 6 March 1918. Court of Enquiry, Sutton Veny, 11 March 1918, into injuries sustained by Carroll (simple fracture, left fibula), found that 'this man was criminally assaulted [by a gang while returning to camp from Warminster where he had gone to transfer his bank account from London] & the injury was not due to his own act. Admitted to Clearing Hospital, 22 April 1918 (scabies); transferred to No 1 Australian Dermatological, Bulford, 8 May 1918 (dermatitis); discharged, 14 May 1918; marched in to No 1 Command Depot, 15 May 1918; marched out to Overseas Training Brigade, Longbridge Deverill, 25 May 1918. Admonished for being absent without leave from 1.30 pm, 3 June, till reporting back, 8.30 am, 5 June 1918, and forfeited 3 days' pay. Proceeded overseas to France, 19 June 1918; rejoined 33rd Bn, 27 June 1918. Transferred to AIF Headquarters, 28 July 1918. Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Medic', 24 August 1918; disembarked Melbourne and transhipped for Fremantle, 15 October 1918; discharged, 1 January 1919. Medals: Victoria Cross, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
| Date of death | |
| Age at death | 80 |
| Place of burial | Karrakatta Cemetery, Perth, Western Australia |
Postal Address:
Po Box 7916
Canberra BC 2610, Australia
Street Address:
Northcott Drive,
Campbell, ACT 2600
