Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Michael O’Keefe said that he was 41 years old when he signed up for the war, but he was actually much older. He migrated from Kerry, Ireland to 237 the Parade, Norwood in Adelaide, which has been reconstructed to be the Norwood Squash centre. Michael was a light labourer and was a cook. He was married to Helen E O’Keefe with two stepsons, William Thomas Joseph Coppins and Laurence Alfred Coppins and two step daughters, May Coppins and Hazel Jane Coppins. Some medical conditions Michael had was rhinorrhoea, which is where nasal cavity is filled with a significant amount of mucus fluid; arteriosclerosis, which is a thicken arterial; and no teeth in his upper jaw (pg.10 SR).

O’Keefe was a part of the 27th Infantry Battalion, located in the trenches at the Western Front. He was a foot soldier that loaded artillery, machine guns, bolt-action rifles and tried to survive in the ‘no man’s land’. Some of his responsibilities were to engage the enemy, patrol areas for security, gain distance to make military attacks and defend the trench. A foot soldier would have to wear their country’s uniform, protective clothing and armour and carry a weapon, possibly a machine gun, sniper or bolt-action rifle. On the 31st of May 1915, Michael embarked a private HMAT, which is a vessel boat, from Geelong. Some of the wars he participated in a part of the 27th battalion, was the great Battle of Pozieres was a battle honour for the 27th battalion as they conducted well in the offence; the Hindenburg Line, where the Germans formed a straight defence line; Somme in 1916, which was a battle honour due to the efficient defence operations.

During the war, Michael O’Keefe had three hospital visits. In 1915, he was diagnosed with rheumatism (arthritis) and was discharged fourteen days after. On the 29th of December 1916, he was admitted for influenza and debility, being frail. Later in April 1916, Michael suffered from senility, which is a disease from old age and was then discharged two months later as medically unfit and was sent home, even though his terms of service were the ‘war and four months’. He was ordered to return to Melbourne, Australia in May although he returned earlier, arriving on April 11th 1916.

ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) spirit is the qualities Australian and New Zealand soldiers possess that have been demonstrated throughout war. Some of these qualities include endurance, courage, ingenuity, good humour, larrikinism and mate-ship. Michael O’Keefe has reflected ANZAC spirit, for instance he lied about his age, telling the Imperial Force he was 41 years old even though he was actually 54 years old. O’Keefe only wanted to appear a lot younger to have the opportunity to fight for Australia since if he stated his real age, he would be classified as too old. Michael could not have signed up and used the excuse that he was too old and had some medical deficiencies, and not risk his life for his country although he did, which showed true courage.

AIF n.d., Michael O'KEEFE, UNSW, accessed 16 February 2018, <https://www.aif.adfa.edu.au/showPerson?pid=227977>.

Australian War Memorial n.d., ANZAC Spirit and the 27th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Government, accessed 3 March 2018, <https://www.aif.adfa.edu.au/showPerson?pid=227977>

LaMonica, J 2015, ‘First World War’, in P Gaterall (ed.), Infantry, Bill Nasson.

O’KEEFE Michael, Service Record, Australian Imperial Force, 9/12/1814

RSL Virtual War Memorial n.d., O'KEEFE, Michael, Returned & Services League of Australia SA Branch, accessed 16 February 2018, <https://rslvirtualwarmemorial.org.au/>.

Sullivan, N 2018, Economic, Social & Political Consequences of the Great War, Study.com, accessed 4 March 2018, <https://study.com/academy/lesson/economic-social-political-consequences-of-the-great-war.html#lesson>.