Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Joseph David Mahoney was an Australian soldier who represented and defended his country in the First World War. Joseph was born in Fulham, South Australia and made it his hometown as he grew up with his family. He grew up alongside one sibling being Lloyd Leonard Mahoney, his mother, Mrs Alma Ann Louise Mahoney and his father named Michael Mahoney. From his father’s background, Joseph was of Irish decent as well as his brother. As a little boy, Joseph attended Fulham Primary public school that was close to home and convenient. Joseph lived a regular life as his occupation was a gardener and his religion was a Protestant.

Joseph did have previous military experience to the First World War as he was a Sergeant of the 78th Battalion Citizen Military Forces. This gave Joseph the experience and knowledge that he needed, to assist him with different techniques. The impact on Joseph’s family of him leaving home for World War 1 was a strong emotional impact as Lloyd had left as well. It is also known that Joseph was unmarried.

Joseph’s official enlistment date was the 19th of April 1915, and his rank of enlistment was private. Joseph was 19 years old when he embarked from Adelaide, South Australia on the 2nd of September 1915. The embarkation ship that he took was the HMAT Anchises A68 as he set of for World War Joseph’s rank in this battle was a sergeant as he had previous experience in this area. The big units that Joseph was also a part of were the 10th Infantry Battalion and the 8th Reinforcement.

The conditions and experiences of the war and preparation were horrible as Joseph was not given the proper resources or protection as at the time, it was not available. This is also as he was not served the proper nutrition that was required for good health. The proper training was also not provided as many of the soldiers were young and did not understand or have the correct knowledge. The nature of the service during World War 1 was brutal as they were all there to protect and defend their country for freedom. Joseph fought in World War 1 for two years as after his fate took over and he was killed in action on the 8th of April 1917. The place of Joseph’s death was in France as he did not die of wounds but instantly from being shot. To show that he had served his country with honour and dedication, he was listed on the 59th Australian Memorial Roll of Honour. It is also known that Joseph is located in the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial Cemetery. 

Brother of 2704 Pte. Lloyd Leonard Mahoney (/explore/people/183419), 10th Battalion, died on 28 July 1916 of wounds received in action in France.

"...2649 Sergeant Joseph David Mahoney, 10th Battalion, of Fulham, SA. A gardener prior to enlisting in April 1915, Mahoney embarked from Adelaide with the 8th Reinforcements on board HMAT Anchises (A68) on 2 September 1915. He was promoted to Corporal in October 1916 and Sergeant in March 1917. Sgt Mahoney was killed in action in France on 6 April 1917. He was 24 years of age..." - SOURCE (www.awm.gov.au)