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Part of a strong horse racing family, Vincent was born at Mallala on the 4th December 1908 to Thomas Dominic and Bridget Mary McGahan. He was the eldest son with his siblings being Mollie, Lawrence, Iris and Robert. The family moved to Glenelg where their lives revolved around horses, with Thomas being a regular in the horse training and competition industry.
From an early age, Vincent and his younger brother Lawrence followed in their father’s footsteps with their love of horses, riding and racing. Vincent’s father, Tom began his own racing career as a teenager involved in Picnic races, then competed in both country and metropolitan meetings. He was described as ‘a quiet, unobtrusive man, who enjoys the respect and confidence of all sportsmen’. Similarly, Vincent’s career started in his early teens and by the age of 17 he was already being acknowledged for his skills with a report in the November ’25 edition of Sport observing that Tom’s ‘two sons, Lawrence and Vincent, have also pulled off some good events on metropolitan courses.’ In the ensuing years, Vincent’s name regularly appeared as he rose to success in hurdles events, Trials at Gawler, Steeple riding at Tailem Bend, the Redan Welter at Cheltenham and races at Victoria Park. By April ’28 the Chronicle observed that ‘T. D. McGahan notified that his apprentice (V. McGahan) has ridden five winners, and is now eligible to claim only 5 lb. allowance.’
Consistent success followed with Vincent riding horses trained by his father. His first win was foreseen in a dream by a Max Tidswell about a hurdle race at Balaklava in ’26. A report of the incident was later carried by the Advertiser detailing that a trainer and Vincent’s brother, Laurence had travelled to Balaklava where they were billeted prior to race day and were consequently sleeping in the same room as Max who recalled: “Early in the morning I woke the whole household up by describing the race in my sleep. I actually broadcast the riders of the horses. At the five furlongs I called the order of the horses, Waddy, Integrity, Senlac, and Fine Time, with Golden Fox tailed off. I placed the horses, and the only mistake I made was in calling Fine Time third and Senlac fourth, whereas it was the other way about. I said Golden Fox had fallen at the last hurdle. He did not fall, but knocked the hurdle flat to the ground. With those exceptions the actual race was run exactly as I had broadcast It in my dream. My father and mother and Peter O'Connor and Lawrie McGahan can verify that. Waddy paid £9 5/. It was the first time he had completed a course without a mishap, and it was the first race that Vincent McGahan had ever won. Only yesterday Lawrie McGahan recalled the dream to me." I am sure many a distressed punter will exclaim after reading this. "Oh, that I could dream such dreams!"
Another such race was Vincent’s success in the Steeplechase at Cheltenham in March ’28. A report in the March issue of Sport reported that ‘Cooldown was piloted with plenty of dash by Vincent McGahan, whose brother Lawrence also had a mount in the same race. Both boys are indentured to Trainer T. D. McGahan, their agreements expiring in November next. It is unusual to see two apprentices riding in a steeplechase.’ Another successful race was at the Kingston Steeplechase in November ’29. The Chronicle described the race and win: ‘Cheltenham Shura, an aged Pistol King gelding, raced and trained by T. D. McGahan. followed up his win over the brush fences on September 14 by capturing the Kingston Steeplechase In easy style from Hula Park and Bestman. He was well ridden by V. McGahan a son of the trainer. Shura was traveling easily and he took charge, along the back. At the fence near the five furlongs Scottie's Bairn joined him and approaching the double down the side, the pair, racing neck and neck, drew out many lengths. Shura gained slightly at the first of the obstacles and when Scottie's Bairn came down at the final fence, Shura was left with a long lead over the others. He ran home a comfortable winner from Hula Park and Bestman.’


With the outbreak of WWII Vincent enlisted in Adelaide on the 25th June, ’40, aged 31. He was given the number SX6775 and assigned to the newly formed 2/48th Battalion. He was initially at Wayville where the current Showgrounds now stand. From there, his battalion moved to Woodside in the Adelaide foothills for their preliminary training. Returning to the 2/48th the Battalion after pre-embarkation leave, the contingent then embarked on the Stratheden for the Middle East, on the 7th November 1940, arriving on the 19th December 1940 where the Battalion completing a few months training in Cyrenaica. From there, Vincent was soon on his way to serve in Tobruk, Syria and Egypt. By the start of April 1941, the 2/48th were in Tobruk where the dust, flies, heat, minimal water supplies and constant bombardment were quite a challenge to new enlistees. They were to become the famed Rats of Tobruk.
By June ’42, Vincent’s brother, Michael Lawrence (Lawrence) had also enlisted as SX22497, having been with the Militia as SN4122 and risen to the rank of Corporal.
For Vincent, conditions were ever-changing and the fighting continuous. Aged 33, he was killed in action in Egypt on the 31st October, ’42. At that time, the 9th Battalion was ordered to attack northward in what was to be relentless fighting in a massive assault to ambitiously take the strategic position of Trig 29.
In his book ‘Tobruk to Tarakan’ John Glenn describes that time “which was to be the most bitter and bloody fighting of the war. When next the sun drove away those shadows from the desert, death would have reaped a rich harvest of gallant men. And of the 2/48th Battalion only forty-one weary troops would remain in the field.” He continued: “At zero hour, 1 a.m. 31st October, the artillery opened up with a receding barrage – one that creeps back on itself. The attack was towards the guns themselves, the enemy being between the troops and the guns… Added to this, the troops came under heavy shell fire as they were forming up, and suffered casualties before they commenced their attack… One gun was landing shells right amongst the men. As soon as the main road was reached the two leading companies came under murderous fire, and from then until they reached their objective, 2,250 yards from the start line, the whole advance was fought in fierce hand-to-hand fighting.”
“Casualties were mounting among the headquarters personnel. Corporal Bill Cashen and Private Murray Nicholson of the orderly room staff, Sergeant Lindsay Goode and Corporal Tas Scutt of the signals, and Private Vin McGahan had all been killed.” His final summing up was ‘Truly it can be said of these men, “They fought themselves and their enemy to a standstill until flesh and blood could stand no more, then they went on fighting.” In added high praise about those who tended the wounded and collected those killed in action “It says much for them that not one man was missing in their search over the four thousand yards from Trig 29 to the Blockhouse, or in the attack of 3,600 yards to Ring Contour 25.” An horrific battle for the proud and very brave 2/48th Battalion.
The Advertiser reported Vincent’s death in November: ‘Mr. and Mrs. T. D. McGahan of Glenelg, have been notified that their eldest son Pte. Vin McGahan, was killed in action in Egypt on October 31. He served with the AIF for nine months in Tobruk and also in Syria and Palestine. He was formerly a registered cross-country jockey. His only brother, Cpl. L. McGahan is serving with the AIF.’
The Catholic Soldiers’ Guild, through the Southern Cross also listed those from their ranks who had died, including Cpl. P. W. CASHEN (A.I.F.), Mile End; Pte. V. de P. McGAHAN (A.I.F.), Glenelg; Pte. K. McCORMACK (A.I.F.), Wayville; L/Cpl. W. QUINN (A.I.F.), Adelaide. MISSING: Cpl. F. N. COGHLAN (A.I.F.), Torrensville. Mass was offered ‘on the first Sunday of each month in St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral for the repose of the souls of deceased comrades.’
Almost a month later back home, Vincent’s death was officially reported in the Chronicle in December included a list of the other men, predominantly from the 2/48th Battalion, killed in action with him. They included SX7832 Pte. Max C. Boase, 2/48th Millicent; SX6896 Pte. Lance Chapman, 2/48th North Moonta; SX5226 Pte. Charlie L. K. Cock, 2/43rd Solomontown; SX7260 Sgt. Charles Fraser, 2/48th Norwood; SX10466 Pte. E. L Freeman, 2/43rd, Calca; SX8651 Sgt. Lindsay R. Goode, 2/48th Malvern; SX13580 Pte. Ronald A. Grist. Inf., Port Noarlunga; SX8587 Pte. George W. Haywood, 2/48th Mount Compass: SX7249 Cpl. J. Hinson, 2/43rd, Plympton: SX310 Sgt. Alfred W G. Miller, 2/48th Ponde; SX9488 Pte. Eric L. Montgomerie, 2/48th, Edwardstown; SX7375 Sgt Charles E. Plummer, 2/48th College Park; SX7176 A-Cpl. William C. Quinn, 2/48th Bordertown; SX8113 Pte. Michael N. Riley, 2/48th Burnside; SX7298 Cpl. Harold Sandercock, 2/48th Maitland; SX7732 Ste. Clem H. Schulz, 2/48th Yorketown; SX12924 Pte. Richard Speck, 48th Blanchetown; SX849J Pte. Arthur G. Wilson, 2/48th Glanville. Some of South Australia’s finest young men, all sadly grieved, so many families’ lives changed forever.
Vin was initially buried in the field, but was re-interred on the 14th March, ‘45 in the El Alamein War Cemetery, his final resting place. He now rests in Plot A II Row C Grave 18. Others from his Battalion are nearby including graves 10 to 21 all containing those from the 2/48th Battalion killed on the 31st October ’42 with Vincent. A tragic day for these young men and especially their families and fellow soldiers. They include 23-year-old Privates Ronald A Grist SX13580, Andrew W Warner WX14061, 27 year old WX9913 William E. Ridley, 38 year old WX9930 F.R. Cornelius, 25 year old SX6896 L. Chapman, 25 year old L.Cpl WX9832 R.J. Templeton, 24 year old Corporal SX7000 P.W. Cashen, 29 year old Privates SX12876 Edward R. Edwards, 35 year old SX10362 John A. Cox, and 23 year old SX9330 Thomas S. Holmes all from the 2/48th Battalion as well as 25 year old NX47936 B Weary from the 2/17th Battalion. Vincent’s parents chose an inscription that reflected their strong Catholic faith for his headstone. It reads ‘Sacred heart of Jesus I place my trust in Thee’.
Vin’s younger brother Lawrence remained with the Militia until January ’65. Vincent’s family continued to remember him each year as did Private Peter McGowan, SX15852 who lived in Glenelg and Keith Player SX8904 and Jack Cox SX20672 from the 2/48th Battalion who survived the October siege.
Advertiser Tuesday 24 November 1942, McGAHAN —Killed in action in Egypt, Oct. 31. Pte. Vin. McGahan eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. T. D. McGahan. Glenelg. loving brother of Mollie (Mrs. Tregenza). Laurie, Iris, Bob, brother-in-law of Doreen and Les. McGAHAN.—A tribute of love and friendship to Vin., killed in action, Egypt. Gone, but not forgotten. —Ever remembered by Mick and Elza Murphy.
Southern Cross Friday 27 November 1942, McGAHAN. —On October 31, killed in action in Egypt, Pte. Vincent de Paul McGahan, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. T. D. McGahan, Glenelg, and loved nephew of Jack, Terry, Frank, Pat, Matt, and Mary. Aged 34 years. Sacred Heart of Jesus, grant him eternal rest.
Southern Cross Friday 29 October 1943, McGAHAN.—In loving memory of our dear nephew, Vincent de Paul, who was killed in action at EI Alamein on October 31, 1942. Sweet Heart of Jesus, grant him eternal rest. —Ever remembered.
Advertiser Saturday 28 October 1944, A tribute to the memory of officers and men of the 2/48th Battalion, who paid the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein, especially remembering my pals of 14 pltn., C Coy.—Keith Player. 2/48th. BATT.—A tribute of honor to the memory of my pals of 2/48th Batt., who paid the supreme sacrifice at El Alamein, October, 1942.—Always remembered by Pte. Jack Cox, C Coy.
Southern Cross Friday 2 November 1945, page 10 McGAHAN.—In loving memory of Vincent de Paul, killed in action at El Alamein on October 31,1942. Sadly missed. Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, pray for him.
Advertiser Monday 29 October 1945, McGAHAN, Vin.—Passed away at El Alamein. A leaf in my book of memories is gently turned over.—E. J. (Mick) Ward.
Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1931 - 1954), Thursday 31 October 1946, page 14McGAHAN. 2/48th Btn.—ln loving memory of Vin. killed in action, El Alamein, October 31. 1942. Time goes on but memories always remain.—inserted by sister-in-law Doreen and brother Laurie. McGAHAN, 2/48th Btn —In loving memory of Vin, killed in action. El Alamein. October 31. 1942. Years fade away, but memories always stay.—inserted by sister Bobbee. and brother-in-law Jack. McGAHAN, 2/48th Btn.—ln loving memory of Vin. killed in action. El Alamein. October 31. 1942. Not only today, but every day you are always in our thoughts. —inserted by sister Triss and brother-in-law Jack. McGAHAN.— In loving memory of our dear brother Vin. killed at El Alamein, October 31. 1942. Things have changed in many ways. But one thing changes never. Memories of those happy days When we were all together. —Always remembered by Mollie and Leo. McGAHAN.—In loving memory of Vin. killed in action. El Alamein Oct. 31 1942. Always remembered by Elsie. McGAHAN, 2-48 Btn—ln loving memory of Vin. killed in action El Alamein. Not Just today, but every day. we remember you.—Father and mother. McGAHAN.—In memory of my best pal Vin. killed In action. El Alamein, October 31 1942.—Always remembered, Peter McGowan.
Advertiser Friday 31 October 1947, McGAHAN. —In loving memory of Vin, killed in action. El Alamein, October 31st 1942. Deep-in our hearts a memory is kept. Of one we loved and will never forget. —Always remembered by sister Triss, and brother-in-law Jack. McGAHAN.—In loving memory of my dear brother Vin. killed at EL Alamein, Not Just today but every day we remember. —Inserted by Bobbee and Jack. McGAHAN.—In fond memory of my pal. Vin. killed in action. El Alamein October 31. 1942. —Peter McGowan. McGAHAN.—In loving memory of Vin, killed in action at El Alamein. October 31 1942. God took you from our midst. But never from our hearts. Always remembered by his brother Laurie and sister-in-law Doreen. McGAHAN.—In loving memory of our dear son Vin. killed in action. El Alamein, October 31. 1942. A thought for today but a memory for ever. —Ever remembered by mother and father. McGAHAN,—in loving memory of my dear brother Vin. killed at El Alamein. October 31. 1942. Tears may come and fade away, but loving memories will always stay.—Remembered by Mollie and Leo.
Advertiser Saturday 30 October 1948, McGAHAN.—In loving memory of Vin killed on October 31. 1942 at Alamein. Deep in our hearts a memory is kept.—Mollie and Leo. McGAHAN.—in memory of my pal Vin killed in action El Alamein. October 31. 1942.—Inserted by Peter McGowan. McGAHAN In loving memory of Vin killed at El Alamein October 31. 1942.—Always remembered by Bobbie and Jack. McGAHAN.—In loving memory of Vin, who lost his life at El Alamein. October 31. 1942.—Ever remembered by mother and father. McGAHAN.—In loving memory of Vin killed in action El Alamein. October 31. 1942. We loved him too dearly to ever forget.—Always remembered by his loving sister Triss and brother-in-law Jack.
Advertiser Monday 31 October 1949, McGAHAN. Pte. Vincent. —In loving memory of our son, died October 31. 1942. El Alamein. —Ever remembered by father and mother. McGAHAN. —In loving memory of Vin killed in action at El Alamein. October 31. 1942.—Ever remembered by his brother Laurie, sister-in-law Doreen and family. McGAHAN. —In memory of Vin. killed In action. October 31. 1942. As you rest in peaceful sleep your memory we will always keep. —Remembered, by Bobbie and Jack. McGAHAN.—In memory of my pal Vin. killed El Alamein. October 31. 1942.—Always remembered by Peter McGowan. McGAHAN. V. De P. 2,48th —In loving memoir of our dear brother Vin killed El Alamein, October 31, 1942. In a soldier's grave In a foreign land Lies one we loved so dear. In life he was so dear to us. In death he is Just the same. A smiling face that did not come home When they sounded the last all clear. —Ever remembered by his loving sister Mollie brother-in-law Leo. McGAHAN. —In loving memory of Vin killed in action El Alamein. October 31. 1942.—So dearly loved, so sadly missed by Triss and Jack.
Advertiser Tuesday 31 October 1950, McGAHAN.— In memory of Vin killed El Alamein October 31 1942. — Ever remembered by mother and dad. McGAHAN.— Fondest memories of Vin killed El Alamein. October 31 1942. — Proudly remembered by Bobbee and Jack. McGAHAN.— In loving memory of Vin killed El Alamein October 31 1942. Always in our hearts. —Ever remembered by Iris and brother-in-law Jack. McGAHAN.— In loving memory of Vin, killed El Alamein October 31 1942. 'Beautiful memories.' — Ever remembered by Mollie. McGAHAN.— October brings a sad memory of my pal Vin. who lost his life at Alamein. October 31. 1942.— Peter - McGowan.
Advertiser Wednesday 31 October 1951, McGAHAN.— In loving memory of our son Vin. killed at El Alamein, October 31 1942.— Sadly remembered by father and mother. McGAHAN.— In loving memory of Vin. killed at El Alamein October 31 1942.— Ever remembered by sister Triss and Jack. McGAHAN.— In loving memory of Vin killed at El Alamein. October 31, 1942. Years are quickly passing, but memories are everlasting. — Remembered by sister Mollle. McGAHAN.— Fondest memories of Vin killed El Alamein October 31, 1942.— Ever remembered. Laurie and Doreen. McGAHAN.— Treasured memories of Vin killed El Alamein, October 31 1942.— Always remembered Bobbee and Jack. McGAHAN, Vin.— Killed El Alamein October 31 1942. — Remembered by Peter McGowan.
Advertiser Friday 31 October 1952, McGAHAN. — In loving memory of our son Vin. 2/48th Killed in action El Alamein. October 31 1942. — Ever remembered by father and mother. McGAHAN. — In loving memory of Vin killed El Alamein. October 31 1942.— Ever remembered by sister Bob and Jack. McGAHAN — Loving memories of my brother Vin. killed El Alamein October 31 1942.— Ever remembered by Mollie. McGAHAN. — In loving memory of Vin. who died at El Alamein October 31 1942.— Inserted by Laurie and Doreen. McGAHAN. — In loving memory of my dear brother Vin. killed El Alamein October 31 1942. Ever remembered by Molly. McGAHAN.— In memory of Vin. killed in action El Alamein October 31 1942.— Ever remembered by sister Triss and Jack.
Advertiser Saturday 31 October 1953, McGAHAN. — In loving memory of Vin. 2/48th Btn. killed El Alamein October 31 1942.— Ever remembered by mother, dad and family. McGAHAN.— In loving memory of Vin. killed El Alamein October 31 1942.— Ever remembered by sister Mollie.

Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.