Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

When John Molloy enlisted in 1901 in the 5th QIB and his details were published with the rank and file in The Queenslander, 16 Mar 1901, he noted his N.O.K. as his father N. J. Molloy, Brisbane St, Ipswich. In the original nominal roll for the 5th Queensland Imperial Bushmen Contingent, held by National Archives, his N.O.K. was recorded as his father M. J. Molloy, Brisbane St, Ipswich.

While he is recorded in the nominal rolls and is reported in newspapers with the rank and file of the 5th QIB, the Boer War Service Paybooks for the 5th QIB, Bk 3 p. 143, notes that he did not go with Contingent, does not list any wage payments, and further does not contain a discharge date. 

John Molloy was born on 19 Jun 1882 in Queensland, a son to Michael Joseph Molloy and Bridget Molloy (nee Foran). 

He was a member of the Ipswich Amateur Bicycle Club, and newspaper report in The Queensland Times, 2 Mar 1901, indicated he was one of four members who had been accepted for the cycling section to accompany the 5th contingent to South Africa. The report indicates the club resolved to give them a send off but were awaiting confirmation from their Captain whether they would be able to get leave from camp to attend. Private Molloy contacted them at 2pm on 1 Mar 1901 to say they had leave so the club made hurried preparations for a send off that evening. The report states:

"For some reason as yet unknown, Private Molloy was the only one of the guests to put in an appearance."

(source- AWM Boer War Nominal Roll, Murray p. 503; National Archives Australia- B 5172 Nominal Roll of 5th Queensland Imperial Bushmen Contingent Queensland Defence Force for service in South Africa, p. 7; Qld State Archives- Boer War Service Paybooks 5th QIB, Bk 3 p. 143; Cyclists' Send-off- The Queensland Times, 2 Mar 1901).