Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Maxwell James Monaghan, born on July 15, 1924, was a young Australian man who answered the call to serve his country during World War II. Hailing from College Park, Adelaide, South Australia, Monaghan's life dramatically turned in the early 1940s when he volunteered to join the Australian Military Forces—standing at a height of 5'10" (178 cm) with a weight of 66 kg. His physical attributes consisted of brown hair, brown eyes, and a chest measurement of 97 cm. Before his enlistment, Monaghan worked as an apprentice leatherworker, honing his skills in the craft of bag-base making.

Monaghan, a single man in his late teens (18 years old), left behind his family and hometown to serve his country during World War II. Despite having no prior military experience, Monaghan volunteered to join the Australian Military Forces. 

Before joining the military, Monaghan underwent a thorough medical examination by a medical officer who deemed him fit for general military service. He was classified as a Private, indicating that he had not yet completed the basic training required for higher ranks. Monaghan then took an oath of enlistment, pledging his loyalty to the King and his commitment to serve his country. He also vowed to resist the King's enemies, maintain peace, and faithfully discharge his duty according to the law.

Maxwell James Monaghan's military service began in August 1942 when he was called up for duty. He began with training at Wayville and four days later was transferred to the 16th Field Ambulance and taken on strength. He was then transferred to the 32nd Camp Hospital and then the 52nd Camp Hospital. He was graded a Group III Clerk at the 52nd Camp Hospital on 12th Feburary 1943. The following month on 17th March he was evacuated to the 101 Australian General Hospital for a pulmonary investigation.

He was diagnosed with tuberculosis 27th April 1943, a contagious and potentially fatal lung disease. As a result of his illness, he was placed on the seriously ill list. His condition worsened and he was placed on the dangerously ill list 7th May 1943.

Despite his valiant efforts, Monaghan's condition deteriorated, and in July 1943, he made the difficult decision to request a discharge from the military. His health had deteriorated significantly, and the demands of military service were no longer feasible. Finally, in April 1943, Monaghan was assigned to the 16th Field Ambulance Unit at the time of his discharge from the Australian Army at the 16 Field Ambulance. His condition stablised and in July he was transferred to the Repatriation Hospital at Keswick for discharge. He was discharged 14th September 1943. 

Monaghan tragically passed away on July 16, 1944, at the Repatriation Hospital in Keswick, South Australia. The cause of his death was tuberculosis. Following his passing, Monaghan was laid to rest at the West Terrace Cemetery (General) in Adelaide, Australia.  His final resting place is in the Eyre North section, Path 12N, Site E1.