CUNNINGHAM, Donald
| Service Numbers: | 18306, 16306 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | Not yet discovered |
| Last Rank: | Driver |
| Last Unit: | Australian Motor Transport Company |
| Born: | Norwood, South Australia, 8 June 1893 |
| Home Town: | Norwood (SA), South Australia |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Motor Salesman |
| Memorials: | Norwood Football Club War Veterans |
World War 1 Service
| 8 May 1918: | Involvement Private, 18306, Mechanical Transport Companies (AIF), --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '22' embarkation_place: Sydney embarkation_ship: RMS Osterley embarkation_ship_number: '' public_note: '' | |
|---|---|---|
| 8 May 1918: | Embarked Private, 18306, Mechanical Transport Companies (AIF), RMS Osterley, Sydney | |
| 8 May 1918: | Embarked AIF WW1, Embarked to Sydney on the ship H.M.A.T Osterley | |
| 15 Sep 1918: | Embarked Driver, 16306, Proceeded overseas to France via the port of Folkestone. | |
| 24 Sep 1918: | Transferred Australian Motor Transport Company, Taken on Strength in the field; he joined the 1st AMT Coy (Australian Motor Transport Company). | |
| 6 Oct 1918: | Promoted Driver, Australian Motor Transport Company, Donald Cunningham was promoted to Motor Transport under the AIF (Australian Imperial Force) Order 785. |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by St Ignatius' College
Donald Cunningham was born on June 8th, 1893. He was born in Norwood, Adelaide, South Australia. From what I’ve researched, Donald was single and had a sister named Janet who he allocated as his next of kin who lived in the same house as him in 23 Queen Street Norwood. His sister was married and her full name was Janet Smith (The AIF Project). Donald had a motor salesman calling and was a natural born British (NAA). His religion was Presbyterian. Donald Cunningham joined near the end of the war for unknown circumstances. He embarked on 8th of May 1918; the war ending a few months later (11 November 1918) (AWM). In the late stages of the war, Donald Cunningham was placed in the unit 3rd Motor Transport Company. (RSL Virtual War Memorial).
He was claimed perfectly fit for active service and with that went forth to embark on his journey. Donald had a medium complexion with black hair and light brown eyes. He weighed 190lbs with a height of 5 feet 9 inches and chest measurement of 40-40 1/2 inches.
Donald embarked to Sydney on the ship H.M.A.T Osterley on the 8th of May 1918, (Australian Government. (Unknown). 3rd Motor Transport Unit, https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R1816506?image=1 - 3 April) and from then according to what is recorded in his diaries, he then proceeded overseas to France via the port of Folkestone on the 15th of September in the same year. Donald marched in to Mavre. in Ex England 4 days later and was Taken on Strength in the Field on the 24th of September; he joined the 1st AMT Coy (Australian Motor Transport Company).
With all his efforts, Donald was promoted to Motor Transport under the AIF (Australian Imperial Force) Order 785 on the 6th of October 1918, and was again rewarded, this time being appointed Lance Corporal in replacement of Newman again by the 1st AMT Coy on the 8th of March 1919 – both taking place in the field. He was transferred to the 3rd Australian Motor Transport Company on the 22nd of May 1919 and had also Taken on Strength that day as well.
For an unknown reason, Donald was demoted on the 14th of June 1919. He subsequently travelled to England on the 18th of June, then leaving for France from Sutton Veny a day after. On the 9th of July 1919, Donald was on leave to report to the AASCT Depot. Exactly a day after, In the AASCT (based in Park House), he was placed in a group.
Based on the evidence I have, Donald left from Liverpool to get to Australia via the ship H.T “Ceramic” on the 9th of August 1919. Donald disembarked on the 24th of September 1919 (NAA).
Donald was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. His continuous achievements during and after the war showed Donald’s commitment to serve his country. His bravery and courage emerged with him joining the war (leaving behind his sister) and being promoted/awarded on numerous occasions. He served displaying justice, peace and freedom for his country (like many of the other soldiers) by his constant effort in his unit (the Australian Motor Transport Company). Donald’s bravery and sacrifice by going to war represented the key qualities the ANZAC’S are known for.
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