FAMILY LIFE

Michael Alphonso Fogarty was born on 23rd February 1890, in Nathalia, Victoria, son of John & Margaret (Banko) Fogarty. His parents took their 8 children & settled at Doon-Doon near Uki in about 1910, where the family ran a dairy farm. His mother is listed on the Banner St Memorial, Murwillumbah which lists the 2348 pioneer settlers of the Tweed district.

ATTESTATION

He was single farmer, eager to do his bit. He travelled to Brisbane on 10^th December, 1915 to complete his application which showed his next of kin as his father, John, of Doon-Doon.

His medical showed he was 25 years 10 months old, 6 ft tall (1.82m), weighed 176 lbs (80kgs), with a fair complexion, blue eyes & dark brown hair.  His eyesight was good & required dental treatment

The Examining Medical Officer stated that Michael “can see the required distance with either eye; his heart and lungs are healthy; he has the free use of his joints; and he declares he is not subject to fits of any description. I consider him fit for active service.”  On the second page of the Attestation Paper, he made the following oath in the presence of the Attesting Officer: “I, Michael Alphonse Fogarty, swear that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lord the King in the Australian Imperial Force until the end of the War … SO HELP ME, GOD.” 

He was Roman Catholic and had a scar, one inch long, on the inner side of the right knee cap.  He was enlisted as a private into the 2^nd Light Horse – 14th Reinforcements with service No 2033. Unbelievably his younger brother John, who enlisted in the same battalion in July was allocated Regimental No 2032.

TRAINING AT RIFLE RANGE CAMP, ENOGGERA

As was the case with men from the Northern Rivers district in New South Wales, they trained at Rifle Range Camp, Enoggera near Brisbane. The Barracks Block was built as accommodation for men in two dormitories, each 36 feet by 22 feet (10.97 x 6.7 metres). Beds or bunks were not provided, instead each man slept on a palliasse with ground sheet on the floor. For many it was their first time away from home. Men from every walk of life, from clerks and teachers to factory and shop workers, were crammed together

Now training for the new recruits began. Firstly, the men received their vaccinations for smallpox, rabies & plague, then a recruit had to be inducted into military forms of discipline, command, and order. This was partially achieved through a program of basic training carried and, in a sense, was maintained for a long as a man was in the service. It involved marching and drilling with the rifle, cleaning and caring for personal equipment and being supervised and inspected in ways quite different to ordinary civilian life. For example, no boots should be allowed to get in a bad state of wear but must be sent to the bootmaker without delay for repair. Men who were found with hair long and unshaven had to have a haircut and shave

Secondly, after basic training there followed the far more serious exercise of turning a man into a fighting soldier at least partially prepared for the kind of warfare he was about to experience overseas. The topics and exercises in the syllabus of training were a world away from their former lives and included daily physical training, entrenching, wiring, firing rifle grenades, firing the Lewis light machine gun, dealing with gas attack, using hand grenades, using the bayonet, and the routines to be followed in the trenches.

This training was then put into practice during what were called ‘Field Days,’ when men would practice using the skills they had acquired in mock attacks both by day and by night. How well men had learnt to use their weapons, in cooperation with each other in training, would be tested in the harsh reality of the front line. Training would take several months

The recruits were issued with their uniform: a khaki woollen jacket, heavy cord breeches and the famous slouch hat – turned up on the left and featuring a plain khaki band, chinstrap and “rising sun” badge. A soldier’s equipment also included a dixie (mess tin), water bottle, mug, .303 Lee-Enfield rifle and bayonet.

VOYAGE OVERSEAS

Both brothers embarked for Egypt with their unit from Brisbane Qld on board HMAT A62 Wandilla on 31 Jan 1916.  The epic voyage across the ocean has been described as “the longest journey to war in the history of the world.” They thought it was the start of a new adventure- for many it was their first time so far away from home. However, after some time at sea the biggest problem turned out to be boredom. On-board, Officers organised rigorous training drills and exercise sessions for the men. They were expected to do their own washing, sweep the decks and carry out other chores

Attempts at breaking up the boredom, apart from the regular drill, varied. Shipboard activities included regular church parades and concerts. Troops engaged in lifebelt drill; a cookhouse on deck; soldiers on fatigues peeling potatoes 'spud bashing'; going to the dentist; barber, pay day; soldiers cleaning personal equipment; medical inspection. Sports and recreation included boxing, deck quoits, draughts. Also, the commanding officer's morning inspection; kit inspections; submarine drill; recreation such as the on deck 'open air' library, deck billiards, pillow fighting and card games including Nap. As well, conditions on the ships were cramped and the risk of illness was constant. 

Three hearty meals a day were served; breakfast usually consisted of porridge, stew, and tea. Lunch included soup, meat, vegetables, and pudding. Meat, bread with jam and tea was served for dinner. Many of the troops experienced bouts of seasickness on the voyage. The crossing the Equator ceremony, ‘Neptune’s Journey,’ was played-out on each troopship.

HELIOPOLIS TRAINING CAMP 7^th MARCH TO 16^th APRIL 1916

The Wandilla arrived in Suez, Egypt, by 7 March 1916. From there, John & Michael would have travelled by train to the Australian Light Horse training camp at Heliopolis. The unit were engaged in final training and acclimatisation to desert conditions which included route marches, rifle practice, musketry drills, bayonet fighting, entrenching, and sandstorm readiness. Men were organized into specific reinforcement groups for their destined units & medical checks and equipment issue, including tropical kit suited for desert and Suez Canal zone service. Heliopolis, on the outskirts of Cairo, was relatively well-developed. The main camp was established on desert land near the Heliopolis Palace Hotel, which was converted into a hospital. While it had some infrastructure, soldiers experienced a mix of comforts and hardships:

·      Accommodation: Most men lived in large canvas tents in the open desert, often 10–12 to a tent. Nights were cold, days hot.

·      Heat and dust: The sun was relentless by March. Daytime heat climbed above 30°C. Fine dust got into clothing, food, and gear.

·      Water: Supplied in limited quantities; drinking water was often tepid and had to be chlorinated.

·      Food: Rations were basic — bully beef, biscuits, tea — supplemented occasionally with local bread or dates. Fresh food was rare.

·      Flies and hygiene: Flies swarmed everywhere, attracted by latrines and food waste. Sanitary arrangements were poor at times, contributing to dysentery outbreaks.

·      Discipline and boredom: When not training, soldiers were confined to camp or allowed limited leave to Cairo — which brought both relief and trouble (alcohol, brothels, crime).

·      Recreation: Some cricket, boxing, and concerts were organised, often by the YMCA or chaplains.

SERAPEUM TRAINING CAMP MID MARCH TO JUNE 1916

The unit was then posted at the Serapeum training camp mid March.

They had already completed their basic training in Australia but over many more tough months, in the Egyptian training camp, the volunteers left their old lives farther behind. Serapeum, located on the western side of the Suez Canal (south of Ismailia), was a key defensive and training area for the AIF during 1916. The activities here included digging and maintaining defences along the Suez Canal Zone. Trenches, redoubts, and observation posts were being reinforced throughout this period. Field training in open desert conditions was undertaken — simulating battle situations, movement in formation, and responding to enemy raids. Fatigue duties and canal guard rotations — some men would have patrolled the Canal Zone or maintained telegraph lines and supply routes- occurred.

·      Reinforcement staging — Serapeum served as a final staging point before troops were shipped to France as part of the AIF's move to the Western Front.

Serapeum was even more remote — a hot, barren stretch of desert near the Suez Canal. The camp was strictly military, functional, and less forgiving than Heliopolis.

·      Isolation: No town nearby; just the canal and the endless desert. Leave was rare.

·      Accommodation: Again, men lived in tents pitched on the sand, exposed to the elements. Some used sandbags and canvas screens for wind protection.

·      Climate: Even hotter — days well over 35°C by May. Heat exhaustion and sunstroke were real concerns.

·      Sandstorms: Khamsin winds blew up powerful sandstorms that tore through the camp, filled tents with dust, and buried equipment.

·      Training demands: Marches through the heat, digging trenches, and mock attacks across soft sand took a physical toll.

·      Insects and illness: Flies, fleas, lice, and occasional outbreaks of diarrhoea and “sand rash” (a kind of heat rash or prickly heat) were common.

·      Morale: Many soldiers were eager to leave Egypt and get to France, which was seen as the “real” war

TRANSFER TO 4^TH AUSTRALIAN DIVISIONAL ARTILLERY- TAKEN ON STRENGTH 111^TH AUSTRALIAN HOWITZER BATTERY APRIL 1916

APPOINTED GUNNER

While based at Serapeum Egypt, John and Michael were both transferred to the 4th Australian Divisional Artillery on 16 Apr and taken on strength with the 11th Australian Field Artillery Brigade as Gunners. They were both posted to the 11th Australian (Howitzer) Battery on 21 Apr 1916 and Michael was appointed Gunner

HOSPITALISATON INFLUENZA MARCH 1916

Michael was hospitalised on 23^RD March 1916 with influenza. This was a dangerous disease to have in an area with a lot of people who would continue to spread the infection. Many people died with this disease which could cause trouble breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, seizures and/or severe weakness or muscle pain.

There was no effective medical treatment for Influenza. The Army Nurse Corps was critical for soldier’s care. Symptom management by skilled supportive nursing care was the best predictor of positive patient outcomes and decreases in mortality rates. This care consisted of duties such as administering medications, monitoring vital signs, fever control, providing hydration, rest, dressing changes, open-air therapy, bed baths, clean bedding, feeding, back and chest rubs with camphorated sweet oil, and cleaning the ward. He rejoined his unit on 21^st April 1916

TRANSFER TO 4^TH AUSTRALIAN DIVISIONAL ARTILLERY- TAKEN ON STRENGTH 111^TH AUSTRALIAN HOWITZER BATTERY APRIL 1916

APPOINTED GUNNER

While based at Serapeum Egypt, John and Michael were both transferred to the 4th Australian Divisional Artillery on 16 Apr and taken on strength with the 11th Australian Field Artillery Brigade as Gunners. They were both posted to the 11th Australian (Howitzer) Battery on 21 Apr 1916.

ARRIVAL IN FRANCE JUNE 1916

Michael & John embarked from Alexandria to join the British Expeditionary Forces on 1 Jun 1916 and disembarked at Marseilles on 10 Jun 1916. The unit was transported north by train to the Armentières sector, near the Belgian border. This region was considered a "nursery sector" — a quieter part of the Western Front used to introduce newly arrived troops to trench warfare. Artillery units like the 11th FAB began establishing gun positions, registering targets, and supporting minor trench raids.

WESTERN FRONT & TRENCH WARFARE

Michael, John & their unit now found themselves fighting the Germans in trench warfare. On the Western Front in 1914–1918, both sides constructed elaborate trench, underground, and dugout systems opposing each other along a front, protected from assault by barbed wire. The area between opposing trench lines (known as "no man's land") was fully exposed to artillery fire from both sides. Attacks, even if successful, often sustained severe casualties. Trench warfare created a living environment for the men which was harsh, stagnant, and extremely dangerous. Not only were trenches constantly under threat of attack from shells or other weapons, but there were also many health risks that developed into large-scale problems for medical personnel. Apart from the inescapable cold during the winters in France & Belgium, trenches were often completely waterlogged and muddy, and crawling with lice and rats

The time soldiers spent in the trenches varied depending on factors like their army's rotation system and the intensity of the conflict in their sector. On average:

·      Front-line trenches: Soldiers typically remained here for about 4–6 days at a time. This was where the fighting was most intense and the conditions were the harshest.

·      Support and reserve trenches: After time on the front line, soldiers were rotated to these positions for around 6–12 days. These trenches were set further back and offered slightly better conditions.

·      Rest periods: Soldiers were then moved away from the trench system entirely for rest, training, and recovery, often lasting several weeks, depending on operational needs.

The rotation system helped prevent complete physical and mental exhaustion, but the constant dangers of trench life meant there was rarely any true respite.

JULY 1916 – SUPPORTING INFANTRY & PREPARING FOR THE SOMME

Throughout July, the 11th FAB provided defensive barrages and counter-battery fire, targeting German artillery. The brigade rotated through positions, likely firing 18-pounder field guns and 4.5-inch howitzers. They supported Australian and British infantry in holding the line, while also training for the expected shift to offensive action.

AUGUST 1916 – TRANSFER TO THE SOMME

In early August, the 11th FAB moved south to the Somme sector, as part of the I ANZAC Corps’ involvement in the ongoing Battle of the Somme. The Australians took over near Pozières, a small village that became the site of one of the most brutal battles the AIF faced.

The artillery supported the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Australian Divisions, delivering intense barrages ahead of infantry advances and defending against counter-attacks.

BATTLE OF POZIERES- AUGUST

The 11th FAB played a critical role in this battle, laying down creeping barrages, targeting enemy trenches, machine gun nests, and shelling German reinforcements. German counter-bombardments were relentless. Artillery units often worked under fire and suffered casualties. The town of Pozières was reduced to rubble; the battlefield was a moonscape of shell holes and unburied dead.

SEPTEMBER 1916 – BATTLE OF MOUQUET FARM

After Pozières, the brigade supported further attacks on Mouquet Farm, a fortified German position northwest of Pozières.

Fighting at the farm stretched into early September. The artillery continued to support infantry with barrage and suppression fire, but the terrain, mud, and enemy strength made gains difficult.

Losses were high, and the men of the 11th FAB were exhausted by this time

HOSPITALISATION NO DETAILS SEPTEMBER 1916

On 22^nd September Michael was admitted to hospital, no details recorded and rejoined his unit on 2^nd October

OCTOBER 1916

In October the 11^th FAB was heavily engaged on the Somme front in France, particularly around Flers, Gueudecourt, and Le Transloy. This period was the tail end of the Battle of the Somme, and the weather had turned increasingly wet and cold, creating dreadful conditions. The unit was supporting infantry operations near Flers, which had been taken in mid-September. They were part of II ANZAC Corps, operating with the 4th Division, and later the 5th Division. The guns were brought forward into deep mud, often requiring teams of horses and manpower to manhandle them into position. They provided barrage and counter-battery fire, often in support of minor advances or patrols. The mud and shell damage to roads made ammunition supply extremely difficult, with gunners and drivers often working around the clock in appalling conditions. Casualties occurred from enemy shellfire, accidents, and illness due to exposure

NOVEMBER 1916

The 11th FAB continued operations near Le Transloy and Gueudecourt, supporting attempts to push the front line forward during the final phases of the Somme offensive. Shelling continued daily, with intermittent attacks. The artillery was crucial in harassing enemy movements, cutting wire, and bombarding strongpoints.

The brigade operated under mud-soaked and freezing conditions, with snow falling by late November. Gun pits had to be drained constantly. Gunners were often wet, cold, and covered in mud, with limited sleep. The strain on men and horses was enormous. Many men were sent sick to hospital during this time due to trench foot, exposure, and respiratory illness (such as tracheitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia).

HOSPITALISATION TRACHEITIS DECEMBER 1916

On 2nd December Michael was admitted to hospital with tracheitis which is an inflammation of the trachea (the windpipe), usually caused by an infection. In World War I, tracheitis was not an uncommon ailment among soldiers, especially in the cold, damp trenches of the Western Front, and during long troopship voyages. The crowded, unsanitary conditions of camps and dugouts made respiratory infections frequent and easily spread.

Treatments were basic and symptomatic, as antibiotics had not yet been discovered (penicillin came later, in 1928). Treatment depended on the severity and cause, but typically included rest & isolation, steam inhalation, & fluids & nutrition. Codeine or opiates (in small doses) were sometimes used to suppress coughing and allow rest & gargles with antiseptic solutions (e.g. salt water, potassium permanganate) were given to treat associated sore throat. He rejoined his unit on 13^th December.

HOSPITALISED INFLUENZA DECEMBER 1916

However, Michael was admitted to hospital just six days later, on 19^th December, with influenza. He rejoined his unit 16^th January 1917

JANUARY–MARCH 1917: WINTER IN THE SOMME – HOLDING THE LINE

The 11th FAB was stationed in the Somme sector, holding artillery positions around Frégicourt, Flers, and Gueudecourt. The weather was extremely cold, with snow and ice, making operations difficult.

They were engaged in routine firing: defensive barrages, harassing fire, and counter-battery work. Troops rotated between forward gun pits and rest areas, often suffering from frostbite, exposure, and illness. In February, the Germans began their strategic withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line. The 11th FAB supported the cautious advance of the infantry, firing on rearguards and suspected machine-gun posts.

APRIL–MAY 1917: THE BATTLES OF BULLECOURT

As part of the 5th Australian Division, the 11th FAB supported operations in the Bullecourt sector, part of the larger Battle of Arras.

On 11 April and again on 3–17 May, Australian troops made costly assaults on the heavily fortified Hindenburg Line near Bullecourt.

The 11th FAB provided preliminary bombardments, creeping barrages, and counter-battery fire. These battles were marked by poor coordination with tanks with high casualties due to strong German resistance. There were difficulties in communication and observation for artillery & gunners worked under constant enemy fire, often moving guns forward under cover of darkness.

JUNE–JULY 1917: MOVE TO FLANDERS – MESSINES SECTOR

In June, the 11th FAB moved north to Flanders in preparation for the upcoming Ypres campaign. They were stationed near Ploegsteert (Plugstreet) and Messines. From 7–14 June, the Battle of Messines took place, and while the 11th FAB was not in the very front for the opening day’s mine explosions, they were involved in sustained artillery support during the consolidation.

For the rest of June and July, they repaired and constructed gun pits, hauled guns and ammunition forward & conducted registration shots and bombardments.

DEATH OF HIS BROTHER JUNE 1917

Michael would have been devasted with the death of his brother in this sector on 17^th June 1917

AUGUST 1917: PREPARATION FOR THE THIRD BATTLE OF YPRES (PASSCHENDAELE)

In early August, the 11th FAB was deployed near Hooge and Zillebeke, on the Ypres Salient. They supported operations in the Battle of Pilckem Ridge (31 July–2 August) and the Battle of Langemarck (16 August). The artillery was critical in cutting wire & firing creeping barrages to protect advancing infantry. They engaged in enemy batteries with counter-battery fire. Conditions rapidly deteriorated: heavy rain turned the battlefield into a quagmire, making it extremely hard to move and supply the guns. The 11th FAB continued firing in support of infantry until mid-August, at which point some batteries were rotated for short rest.

HOSPITALISED PUO AUGUST 1917

On 16^th August Michael was admitted to the 4^th DRS with PUO.  DRS was the Divisional Rest Station, a small, relatively forward medical facility run by the Australian Army Medical Corps, located behind the lines but within the division’s operational area. Its purpose was to treat mild illnesses or exhaustion, allowing soldiers to recover without being evacuated all the way to a Casualty Clearing Station

PUO- TRENCH FEVER

Trench fever, often classed as “PUO- pyrexia of unknown origin,” is a condition that was first reported from troops in Flanders in 1915, when individuals suffered from a febrile illness that relapsed in five-day cycles.

Human louse was rife in the trenches of the Western Front. It was the cause of much discomfort to the troops who found it almost impossible to get rid of them. But the body louse did cause another disease that became to be known as 'Trench Fever'. 

The body louse was infected by biting a soldier suffering from Trench Fever. The infected soldier did not show any signs, or symptoms, for anything from a week to a month, when a severe head-ache developed with debilitating muscle pains; characteristically of the shins - hence the commonly used alternative name 'Shin-bone Fever'. With a duration of around five days, the fever went into remission and often reoccurred (relapsed) one or more times. There was no effective treatment for Trench Fever other than bed-rest

TRANSFER TO HOSPITAL ROUEN

On 24th August Michael was transferred to the 6th General Hospital in Rouen for further care.

EVACUATED TO ENGLAND

On 5^th September Michael was evacuated to England and admitted to the 2^nd London General Hospital.

MARCHED INTO COMMAND POST WEYMOUTH SEPTEMBER 1917

A Command Depot was a military rehabilitation and re-training centre for soldiers who were no longer sick or wounded enough to stay in hospital, but not yet fit enough to return to active duty. Soldiers would be marched into different depots depending how sick they were. Weymouth received men who are likely to be unfit for duty for a period longer than three months

COMMAND POST SUTTON VENEY OCTOBER 1917

On 27^th October he was transferred to Sutton Veney. These men were not yet fit to return to the front, but did not require hospital-level care. Sutton Veny served as a stepping stone between hospital and full duty.

HOSPITALISATION BRONCHITIS NOVEMBER 1917

John was admitted to the Military Hospital in Sutton Veney with influenza on bronchitis on 10^th November 1917

CLASSIFIED B1A4 NOVEMBER 1917

On 27^th November Michael was classified B1A4 which means he was not fit for front-line service, but was considered fit for light base duties in the UK, often while awaiting full recovery or reassessment.

RETURN TO FRANCE DECEMBER 1917

On 27^th December Michael left England for France and rejoined his unit on 12^th January 1918. In this time, he would have attended drilling & training as the technology and techniques were rapidly changing and soldiers had to be up to date when they were ready to rejoin their units.

JANUARY – FEBRUARY 1918: THE FLANDERS SECTOR – QUIET BUT TENSE

The 11th FAB was part of the 4th Australian Division, operating in the Messines–Ploegsteert sector in Belgium. This was considered a "quiet sector", but artillery duels were constant. Duties included harassing fire on enemy trenches and supply lines & routine barrages in support of patrols. Maintaining and improving gun pits, often under shellfire and snow & conditions were cold and muddy; illness (including respiratory infections) was common.

MARCH 1918: THE GERMAN SPRING OFFENSIVE BEGINS

On 21 March, the Germans launched Operation Michael, a massive offensive in the Somme sector. Though the 11th FAB was not hit in the initial attack, the Australians were rapidly redeployed south to support British units collapsing under pressure.

LATE MARCH – APRIL 1918: SOMME EMERGENCY – BATTLE OF DERNANCOURT & VILLERS-BRETONNEUX

By late March, the 11th FAB was moved to the Somme near Albert and Amiens, supporting Australian infantry defending towns such as Dernancourt, Heilly, and Villers-Bretonneux.

They provided continuous barrages, counter-attacks, and defensive fire under enormous pressure, notably:

·      28 March – 5 April: Defensive actions during the First Battle of Dernancourt.

·      24–27 April: Supported the recapture of Villers-Bretonneux, a vital defence against the German advance toward Amiens.

Ammunition supply and gun mobility were stretched to the limit.

MAY – EARLY JUNE 1918: HOLDING THE LINE AND REORGANISING

After the emergency passed, the Australians, including the 11th FAB, held the line around Villers-Bretonneux and Cachy. They maintained defensive barrages, disrupted enemy movements, and prepared for possible renewed attacks. This period also included rest and reinforcement, upgrading positions and improving observation & continued harassment of German lines with artillery fire

DETACHED TO SIGNAL SCHOOL JUNE 1918

On 4^th June Michael was detached to Signal School. There he would have undergone specialised training in visual signalling using semaphore flags, heliography & lamp signals. He learnt how to lay & repair field telephone lines under fire as well as operating them to relay fire orders & reports. He learnt to understand switchboards & signal posts. He also learnt how to read fire plans & artillery maps and understanding message protocols, codes, and priority signals. This training prepared him to act as a signaller, a critical role ensuring that artillery commands could be rapidly and accurately communicated across the battlefield, even in dangerous and chaotic conditions. He returned to his unit on 15^th July 1918

15 JULY – END OF JULY 1918: PREPARATION AND TRAINING NEAR AMIENS

The 11th FAB was located in the Somme valley, near Villers-Bretonneux, Cachy, and Blangy-Tronville. This was a period of intense planning and training for a major offensive, though the men themselves were not told the full plan.

The artillery units conducted firing drills, stockpiled ammunition, camouflaged guns, and positions to avoid detection & participated in practice barrages with infantry units for coordination

8 AUGUST 1918: BATTLE OF AMIENS

The 11th FAB played a major role in the Battle of Amiens, the opening of the Hundred Days Offensive. Starting at 4:20 AM on 8 August, their guns supported a massive creeping barrage ahead of the infantry and tanks. The counter-battery fire to neutralise German guns & the result was a spectacular success — the Germans were taken by surprise, and their lines were broken. The 11th FAB then moved forward with the infantry to support the rapid advance.

AUGUST–EARLY SEPTEMBER 1918: ROLLING OFFENSIVES AND CONSTANT MOVEMENT

After Amiens, the 11th FAB took part in follow-up attacks, including actions near Lihons, Chaulnes, and Peronne, the Second Battle of the Somme (21–23 August) & the Battle of Mont St Quentin (31 August – 2 September) — a legendary action by the Australian Corps.

The guns had to be constantly moved forward, often over broken ground and damaged roads. Conditions were hard: little rest, exposure to the elements, and heavy firing schedules. Horses and men were pushed to the limit. Many gunners fell ill with exhaustion, respiratory infections, and diarrhoea.

HOSPITALISATON INFLUENZA SEPTEMBER 1918

One of those men was Michael who again had influenza. He was admitted to the 16^th General Hospital in Rouen on 18^th September

EVACUATED TO ENGLAND PUO SEPTEMBER 1918

On 20^th September he was evacuated to the General Military Hospital, Winchester, with PUO severe

GETTING HOME

On 11^th November the fighting was officially over so he prepared to return to Australia. After the Armistice, the Australian Prime Minister Billy Hughes insisted Australian troops be repatriated (returned home) as quickly as possible. This logistical challenge was enormous with 135,000 troops brought home from Britain in 147 voyages, and 16,773 troops from the Middle East in 56 voyages, mostly on a first come, first go basis. There was a lack of suitable ships to transport personnel home and many had to wait many months before they were headed back to Australia.

COMMAND POST SUTTON VENEY DECEMBER 1918

FURLOUGH DECEMBER 1918- JANUARY 1919

Michael was admitted to Sutton Veney 21^st December and given furlough to 6^th January 1919.

ADMINISTRATION HQ JANUARY 1919

While Michael was waiting for a ship to go home, he was attached to Administration HQ. Depot HQ coordinated the gradual disbandment of wartime units and repatriation, and medical processing. Depot HQs acted as intermediaries with the newly formed Repatriation Department, helping veterans receive war pensions, land settlement schemes (soldier settlement) & vocational training and employment assistance

They finalised service records, war gratuities (final pay, bonuses), honours and awards processing. Depot HQs often became custodians of battalion/unit colours and memorabilia until official regimental histories or memorials were established.

GOING HOME FEBRUARY 1919

Michael left England on the 7^TH February 1919 on the Lancashire

On 4^th April 1919, at his medical, the report stated “no dental treatment required” so, at some stage he had dental treatment. He was discharged 19^th May 1919

FOR HIS SERVICE

For his service Michael was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal

HOME LIFE

In 1992 Michael married Margaret Carberry in Murwillumbah. He died 18 April 1952, aged  62 and is buried in the Murwillumbah Catholic Cemetery

If you have any additional information about this individual, we invite you to email us at rsl@msmc.org.au.