IRWIN, Joseph William
| Service Numbers: | 186, V85484 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 14 December 1914 |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | Army Training Units |
| Born: | Launceston, Tasmania, Australia, 27 May 1886 |
| Home Town: | Windsor, Stonnington, Victoria |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Labourer |
| Memorials: |
World War 1 Service
| 14 Dec 1914: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 186, 21st Infantry Battalion | |
|---|---|---|
| 10 May 1915: | Involvement AIF WW1, Private, 186, 21st Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '13' embarkation_place: Melbourne embarkation_ship: HMAT Ulysses embarkation_ship_number: A38 public_note: '' | |
| 25 Jul 1919: | Discharged AIF WW1, Company Sergeant Major, 186, 24th Infantry Battalion, 3rd MD |
World War 2 Service
| 26 Jun 1940: | Enlisted Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Private, V85484 | |
|---|---|---|
| 8 Mar 1943: | Discharged Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Private, V85484, Army Training Units |
Help us honour Joseph William Irwin's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Add my storyBiography contributed by Evan Evans
From Graeme Savige
Another brave 21st man
Private 186 Joseph William Irwin MM
Originally from Windsor Victoria, Joseph signed up not long after the outbreak of war on 14th December 1914 & Embarked for training in Egypt on 10th May 1915 on the HMAS Ulysses with the 21st Infantry Battalion 2nd Division AIF before taking part in the Gallipoli Campaign, He survived the torpedoing of his Transport ship near Lemnos on their way to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Joseph survived Gallipoli & was involved in the famous sneak withdrawal from Gallipoli in December 1915 before being sent to France & saw heavy action at the Battle of Pozieres in July 1916 & Joseph would continue his run of good luck by serving with distinction in both battles of Bullecourt & also participated in the 3-kilometre advance that captured the Broodseinde Ridge during the battles for Ypres. In 1918 Joseph was Transferred to the 24th Btn who had suffered significant casualties & were in desperate need of reinforcements & Joseph continued to serve with Great distinction with the 24th & saw heavy action at the Battles of Amiens, Hamel & Mont St Quentin and was recommended for Citation for conspicuous Bravery & Gallantry during the 24th's role in the recapturing of the main German strong point atop the summit on 1 September & was awarded the Military Medal on 6th September 1918.. Joseph was also promoted throughout his service reaching the rank of Sargeant Major before being transferred to the 31st Battalion at War's end & Joseph would return home to Australia in March 1919.. Joseph passed away in 1957.. We Will Remember Him...
The Following Information regarding Joseph's actions in receiving The Military Medal was provided by War Wheels.. Distinguished Conduct Medal (Altered to Military Medal)
'At MT. ST. QUENTIN North of PERONNE on the 1st September 1918 this W.O. reconnoitred and exploited a Trench for a distance of several hundred yards beyond the preliminary objective until he encountered a hostile post garrisoned by twelve of the enemy. He immediately returned to his Company and procured a party with whom he attacked the post but was unable to proceed on account of unsuitable ground He then personally endeavoured to outflank the post but was prevented to do so by the wire in front. C.S.M. IRWIN then decided to establish a block in the trench, which he did, and this resulted in the evacuation by the enemy of their position a little while afterwards. All this was done under heavy rifle and machine gun fire.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919
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