O'NEILL, John Hugh
| Service Number: | WX2731 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 15 May 1940, Subiaco, WA |
| Last Rank: | Captain |
| Last Unit: | 2nd/16th Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Northam, Western Australia, Australia, 30 May 1919 |
| Home Town: | Subiaco, Nedlands, Western Australia |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Bank Clerk |
| Died: | Died of wounds, Papua, 5 December 1942, aged 23 years |
| Cemetery: |
Port Moresby (Bomana) War Cemetery, Papua New Guinea A6 C 10 |
| Memorials: | Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Subiaco Fallen Soldiers Memorial |
World War 2 Service
| 3 Sep 1939: | Involvement WX2731 | |
|---|---|---|
| 15 May 1940: | Enlisted Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Captain, WX2731, 2nd/16th Infantry Battalion, Subiaco, WA |
WW2
The details provided are taken from the book "1000 Men at War" the history of the 2nd/16th Infantry Battalion, published 1959, refer to page 91. John was born 30th May 1920 at Northam WA, and prior to the war was a bank officer of Subiaco WA. He served with the 2nd/16th Inf Bn and rose to the rank of Captain. Unfortunately, he Died of Wounds 4th Dec 1942. Rest In Peace. Lest We Forget.
Submitted 6 May 2020 by Maxwell HILL
Biography contributed by Faithe Jones
Son of John P. O'Neill and Nira M. O'Neill, of Subiaco, Western Australia.
A REAL SOLDIER CALLED TO HIGHER SERVICE
The Late Capt O'Neill.
The late Capt John Hugh O'Neill, who died of wounds received in the fighting at Gona, New Guinea, was a member of a famous WA battalion which served in Syria and in New Guinea. His CO in a letter to his parents, said: "Capt O'Neill was a fine company commander and led his company through the terrific fire of Gona on Decembr 1. He was one of the very few who forced a way right through and the great pity is that he had to forfeit his life."
The late Capt O'Neill enlisted for service in the AIF in May, 1940, and was promoted to commissioned rank in July. He left with his unit for service overseas later in the same year. He served right through the Syrian campaign and later was appointed adjutant and promoted to the rank of captain. Prior to enlist ment Capt O'Neill was on the staff of the Commercial Bank, Perth. He was the eldest son of Major J. P. and Mrs O'Neil, of Subiaco.
Click images to start slideshow.