Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

"OBITUARY ― FERGUS O’NEILL
Mr. Ferg O’Neill, whose death occurred at Tailem Bend Hospital on 21st August, was for many years a resident of Kingston. The late Mr. O’Neill was a member of the 50th Battalion, A.I.F., and was decorated for his distinguished conduct and bravery in the field, and was later severely wounds, having lost his nose and sustained other injuries. An operation performed in England by a famous surgeon (Dr. Simpson Newland, of Adelaide) — that of grafting a nose, caused world-wide comment. His younger brother, Owen, died at Calais (France) from fatal wounds received in that great demonstration and debacle, Fleurbaix. Ferg, bearer of scars of world war, returned to Australia unbroken in spirit, if broken in health, to take his place in citizenship, and has passed to the Great Beyond. He was a grandson of the late Mr. William Smith, a well-known soldier and bearer of scars from the Indian Mutiny and Crimean Wars, and was the second son of the late Mrs. E. O’Neill, who died a few years ago at Narracoorte. We extend our sympathy to his sister (Mrs. J. Evers, of Croydon Park, S.A.), and brother Jack, of Sydney, the surviving members of the family. The late Mr. F. O’Neill well-known and esteemed in the Narracoorte district."