'During the occupation of the position near VERBRANDENMOLEN the heavy and almost daily shelling during September and October, 1917, frequently cut the lines between the B.C. post and the Exchange some 600 yards distant. Day or night and without regard to shelling these men never hesitated to go and repair their lines so that communication was always maintained with Brigade Headquarters. No. 651 Gunner DESMOND has a fine example of true courage and devotion to duty.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 9
Date: 24 January 1918

Regimental number	651
Place of birth	Ballarat, Victoria
Religion	Roman Catholic
Occupation	Soldier
Address	119 Campbell's Crescent, Ballarat South, Victoria
Marital status	Single
Age at embarkation	21
Next of kin	Mother, Mrs S Desmond, 119 Campbell's Crescent, Ballarat South, Victoria
Previous military service	Royal Australian Garrison Artillery
Enlistment date	1 January 1916
Rank on enlistment	Gunner
Unit name	Heavy Artillery Group 36, Reinforcement 7
AWM Embarkation Roll number	13/49/4
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A67 Orsova on 29 July 1916
Rank from Nominal Roll	Bombardier
Unit from Nominal Roll	36th Heavy Artillery Brigade
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)	Meritorious Service Medal Recommendation date: 12 February 1918
Fate	Returned to Australia 1 July 1919
Miscellaneous information from cemetery records	Plaque in Victorian Garden of Remembrance
Medals	Military Medal 'During the occupation of the position near VERBRANDENMOLEN the heavy and almost daily shelling during September and October, 1917, frequently cut the lines between the B.C. post and the Exchange some 600 yards distant. Day or night and without regard to shelling these men never hesitated to go and repair their lines so that communication was always maintained with Brigade Headquarters. No. 651 Gunner DESMOND has a fine example of true courage and devotion to duty.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 9 Date: 24 January 1918
Date of death	17 July 1956

John Patrick DESMOND