MACKELL, Frederick Austin
| Service Numbers: | NX12231, 278997 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 2 May 1940 |
| Last Rank: | Major |
| Last Unit: | 2nd/17th Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Merrylands, New South Wales, Australia, 26 November 1917 |
| Home Town: | Merrylands, Holroyd, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Not yet discovered |
| Died: | Darling Point, New South Wales, Australia, 2 July 1965, aged 47 years, cause of death not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: | Not yet discovered |
| Memorials: | Parramatta High School WW2 Honour Roll |
World War 2 Service
| 2 May 1940: | Enlisted Lieutenant, NX12231, 2nd/17th Infantry Battalion | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 May 1940: | Enlisted Australian Military Forces (Army WW2), Major, 278997, 2nd/17th Infantry Battalion | |
| 13 Apr 1941: | Honoured Military Cross, Siege of Tobruk | |
| 30 Apr 1946: | Discharged Australian Military Forces (Army WW2), Major, 278997, 2nd/17th Infantry Battalion | |
| Date unknown: | Involvement Major, NX12231, 2nd/17th Infantry Battalion |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Jeffrey Crisdale
MILITARY CROSS CITATION for NX12231 Lieutenant Frederick Austin MACKELL, OC 16 Platoon, "D" Company, 2nd/17th Infantry Battalion
"Action at Tobruk. On April 13 Lieut Mackell was commander of a patrol which counter-attacked a body of enemy which attacked Post 33.
During this attack with a small party of one corporal and five men, he showed remarkable gallantry and brilliant leadership which enabled his small force to rout the enemy who were armed with two field pieces, machine guns and two-inch and three-inch mortars.
He killed one enemy with the bayonet, clubbed his rifle and smashed it on the head of another.
By his dash and vigour he inspired his small force to overcome the heavy odds against them.
From April 11 to 13 Lieut Mackell distinguished himself by his active and brilliant leadership and care of his men."
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