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O'CONNOR, Murray William
Personal Details
| Service Numbers: | 1477, 1543 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 31 December 1914, Enlisted at Melbourne, Victoria |
| Last Rank: | Lance Corporal |
| Last Unit: | 14th Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Reefton, New Zealand, 1892 |
| Home Town: | Yarraville, Maribyrnong, Victoria |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Seaman |
| Died: | Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, 19 November 1960, cause of death not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: |
Waikumete Cemetery & Crematorium, Auckland, New Zealand Service person area J, Row 3, Grave 21. Interred on 20 November 1960 |
| Memorials: |
Service History
World War 1 Service
| 31 Dec 1914: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 1477, 14th Infantry Battalion, Enlisted at Melbourne, Victoria | |
|---|---|---|
| 31 Dec 1914: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 1477, 14th Infantry Battalion | |
| 2 Feb 1915: | Involvement Private, 1477, 14th Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '11' embarkation_place: Melbourne embarkation_ship: HMAT Clan McGillivray embarkation_ship_number: A46 public_note: '' | |
| 2 Feb 1915: | Embarked Private, 1477, 14th Infantry Battalion, HMAT Clan McGillivray, Melbourne | |
| 7 Aug 1915: | Wounded AIF WW1, Private, 1477, 14th Infantry Battalion, Wound to the thigh | |
| 19 May 1917: | Transferred AIF WW1, Private, 4th Light Trench Mortar Battery, From 14th Battalion | |
| 12 Mar 1918: | Transferred AIF WW1, Lance Corporal, 14th Infantry Battalion, From 4th Light Trench Mortar | |
| 13 Aug 1918: | Honoured Distinguished Conduct Medal, For conspicuous gallantry and resourcefulness on the 8 August 1918. London Gazette on 5 December 1918, page 14462, position 3 Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 14 March 1919, page 425, position 7 | |
| 14 Dec 1918: | Involvement AIF WW1, Lance Corporal, 1543, 4th Light Trench Mortar Battery | |
| 30 Mar 1919: | Discharged AIF WW1, Lance Corporal, 1477, 14th Infantry Battalion, Discharged at the 3rd Military District | |
| 17 Jun 1919: | Honoured Military Medal, Reads: Is brought to notice for conspicuous daring and gallant conduct during operations on the 18th September, 1918, near LE Verguier two Machine Guns in a strongly fortified position were encountered firing on our troops to the right flank with great effect and delaying their advance. Creeping up by the left Lance/Corporal O'Connor with his Section Officer attempted to take the enemy unawares. Their approach was observed however, and heavy fire was directed on them. They immediately with great dash and personal disregard of danger rushed the enemy position, shooting 6 men with revolvers and forcing the remainder to surrender. The two Machine Guns together with garrison of 35 were captured, thus enabling the infantry on the flank to go forward. After his Officer had been severely wounded this N.C.O.. led the Section on to the objective. His work during consolidation and the example he set to his men were of the highest order and his outstanding ability and resourcefulness call for special comment. I very strongly recommend Lance Corporal O'Connor for his constant and conspicuous courage and dash and the excellent results achieved. London Gazette on 17 June 1919, page 7698, position 31 Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 10 October 1919, page 1497, position 81 |
Personal Stories
Help us honour Murray William O'Connor's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Add my storyBiography contributed by Carol Foster
Address at the time of enlistment was given as- Stevens Street, Yarraville, Victoria.
Son of John O'Connor and Catherine O'Connor of Victoria Lane, Auckland, NZ.
Commenced return to Australia on 14 December 1918 aboard HT Burma disembarking on 29 January 1919
Medals: Military Medal, Distinguished Conduct Medal, 1914-1915 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
During 1923c Murray married Thelma Rosa Cross in NZ.
In August 1960 Murray was residing on in Billings Store, Onetangi, Waipeke Island, NZ.