Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Cornelius Vincent O'Keeffe is my great uncle. He was known as Con in the family. He was born in Tocumwal, NSW, Australia on 1 June 1902. His father was James O'Keeffe, who was born in City Cork, Ireland. At the time of Cornelius's birth, his father's occupation was listed as a farmer. His mother was Emily Godier, (sometimes known as Amy) who was born in 1869 on the Victorian Goldfields near Raywood.

Cornelius was the tenth of thirteen children, all born and educated in Tocumwal. His elder brothers Patrick and Joseph had served in the 4th Battalion and the 7th Light Horse Regiment in World War 1.

One of Con's nephews told me that at one point Con was working as a drover and would come home at Christmas in a horse drawn wagon. When Con enlisted, his occupation was listed as labourer. On his Attestation Form his surname is spelt O'Keefe. Con's signature on the Attestation Form is spelled O'Keeffe. His birth certificate has his father's name spelled as O'Keeffe. Con gave his date of birth as 1 June 1903 and his birth certificate has his date of birth as 1 June 1902.