Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

John Joseph Ahern was born on the 8th of September 1883, in Adelaide, South Australia (SA).  Born to Catherine Ahern, he had a sibling, James Phillip Ahern, who also served in the military. Tragically, James, who served in the 10th Battalion, lost his life in action on the 11th of August, 1918. The Ahern family were devoted Roman Catholics, who resided in Aldgate, South Australia. Prior to the outbreak of World War I, Ahern worked as a mason, contributing to the construction industry with expertise in materials like stone, tiles, and concrete. He was described as having blue eyes, dark hair, a medium complexion, and stood at a height of 5 feet 9 inches. Ahern had a life marked by both service, sacrifice and determination to serve his country.

As the global conflict heightened, Ahern’s sense of duty led him to enlist on the 2nd of August, 1915, at the age of 31. Ahern enlisted for World War I in Adelaide, South Australia. His enlistment marked the beginning of a journey that would take him far from his home and into the heart of the war. Private John Joseph Ahern embarked on the HMAT (His Majesty’s Australian Transport) A24 Benalla on the 27th of October, 1915, joining the 27th Battalion, 6th Reinforcement. Given that many of the 27th Battalion members came from Adelaide, Ahern naturally became part of this unit. In December, the 27th Battalion left Mule Gully taking over camp in Happy Valley, Gallipoli, from the 25th Battalion. On the 10th of December, heavy bombardment ordered the movement to North Beach and embarked on “Osmalieh” a couple of days later. The 27th Battalion sailed to Lemnos and marched to South Camp. However, Ahern’s time with the 27th Battalion, was relatively short lived as he was soon transferred to the 10th Battalion Serapeum on the 28th of February, 1916, to continue his service.

Ahern’s wartime experience was not without misfortune. In November 1916, Ahern fell ill while stationed in France, leading to his evacuation on the Formosa Hospital ship on the 16th of November, 1916. A day later, on the 17th of November, he was admitted to the Duch of Con Hospital in England due to trench feet, a condition resulting from prolonged exposure to wet or cold environments. Ahern commenced his recovery while in the hospital. Despite the setback, Ahern demonstrated resilience and later marched into Number 4 Con Depot (Convalescent Depot) in Narakom from Southhall (ER6993) in England on the 7th of December 1916, ready to continue his service.

The course of Ahern’s military service saw him transferred several times showing the demands of wartime. Transferred to the 70th Battalion from the 10th Battalion in Wartham on the 23rd of February, 1917, Ahern's military journey saw him shifted again on the 19th of September, 1917, to the 10th Battalion on M/10 to the 69th draft Battalion in England. Departing for France on the 9th of October 1917, Ahern was ‘Privately Taken on Strength’ of the 10th Battalion Australian Imperial Force from the 69th Battalion to the 70th Battalion. Ahern’s journey took him across different units and locations, showing the challenges he faced during the war.

In France, on the 8th of April, 1918, Ahern received his last payment before being promoted to Lance Corporal in the 10th Battalion on the 12th of July, 1918. His bravery and dedication were recognised with a promotion but sadly, Ahern was wounded in action on the 11th of August, 1918, in France. Additionally, he faced disciplinary action for being absent without leave from 9:30 pm on the 25th of August, 1918, until 10 am the following day. Reprimanded by the CO (Commanding Officer) Australian Infantry Base Depot Havre on the 26th of August 1918, Ahern forfeited one day’s pay. He rejoined his unit on the 30th of August,1918, affirming his commitment to his fellow soldiers and his mission to serve his country.

After rejoining his unit, Ahern occupied trenches near Hamel in September. On the 17th of September, he was situated 10 kilometres from the front line to rest before attacking. The next day the 10th Battalion followed behind the 12th Battalion and advanced and engaged at improving location. Ahern’s Battalion was relieved on the 21st of September and in the support line. While Ahern did face the battlefield, at times he was not present and required to perform daily duties consisting of routines, parades, training, lectures and general practices.

Ahern’s wartime service concluded with his discharge on the 12th of April, 1919, marking the end of his sacrifice and dedication to serve in the war. For his service, he was honoured with three medals: the 1914/1915 Star, The British War Memorial medal, and the Victory medal. After returning home, Ahern embarked on a new chapter and married Cecelia, and started a family. They were blessed with two sons, William and John. John Joseph Ahern passed away on the 20th of June, 1966, in Gillies Plains, SA, at the age of 82. He was laid to rest at Centennial Park Cemetery, Adelaide, SA.

Ahern’s life journey, marked by service, sacrifice and resilience, stands as a testament to the courage and strength of those men and woman who served their country during the war.