Donald MCARTHUR MC, MID

MCARTHUR, Donald

Service Number: 2558
Enlisted: 6 June 1915, Place of enlistment - Liverpool, New South Wales
Last Rank: Lieutenant
Last Unit: 54th Infantry Battalion
Born: Rozelle, New South Wales, Australia, 1886
Home Town: Sydney, City of Sydney, New South Wales
Schooling: Not yet discovered
Occupation: Hospital Attendent
Died: Killed In Action, Peronne, France, 1 September 1918
Cemetery: Herbecourt British Cemetery
Row C, Grave 16
Memorials:
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World War 1 Service

6 Jun 1915: Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 2558, 2nd Infantry Battalion, Place of enlistment - Liverpool, New South Wales
9 Aug 1915: Embarked AIF WW1, Private, 2558, 2nd Infantry Battalion, Embarked on HMAT 'A54' Runic from Sydney on 9th August 1915, disembarking Egypt. Served in Gallipoli from 14th November 1915, returning on HMT Huntsgreen disembarking Alexandria, Egypt on 28th December 1915.
8 Jan 1916: Promoted AIF WW1, Lance Corporal, 2nd Infantry Battalion
23 Jan 1916: Promoted AIF WW1, Corporal, 2nd Infantry Battalion
14 Feb 1916: Transferred AIF WW1, Corporal, 54th Infantry Battalion
1 Mar 1916: Promoted AIF WW1, Sergeant, 54th Infantry Battalion, Following promotion Sergeant McArthur attended the Zeitoun School of Instruction from 1st April 1916 to 23rd April 1916.
19 Jun 1916: Embarked AIF WW1, Sergeant, 2558, 54th Infantry Battalion, Embarked on HMT Caledonian from Alexandria, Egypt on 19th June 1916, disembarking Marseilles, France on 29th June 1916 to join British Expeditionary Force.
2 Aug 1916: Promoted AIF WW1, Second Lieutenant, 54th Infantry Battalion
8 Dec 1916: Wounded AIF WW1, Second Lieutenant, 2558, 54th Infantry Battalion, Wounded in action, gun shot wound to back. Transferred from 8th General Hospital Rouen, France to 3rd London General Hospital by HS Glenart Castle. Rejoined unit 23rd March 1917.
26 Dec 1916: Promoted AIF WW1, Lieutenant, 54th Infantry Battalion
2 Jul 1917: Honoured Military Cross,

"Lieutenant McARTHUR was acting as second in command to "C" Company on the morning of the attack by the Germans on the position held by the 54th Battalion in the HINDENBURG LINE opposite REINCOURT on 15/5/17.

When his Company Commander became a casualty early in the attack, Lieutenant McARTHUR took command of the company which at the time was exposed to heavy artillery bombardment from the enemy. The company was suffering heavily. It required a firm hand to control the men and inspire them to hold on until the enemy barrage lifted. Lieutenant McARTHUR moved amongst them, and in a cool and collected manner detailed the posts, organised the removal of the wounded, and kept complete control of the whole situation in that sector. He directed the company from the front trench, being in the thick of the fight the whole time. The task of control was rendered more difficult by the fact that every N.C.O. became a casualty and there were only two junior officers left.

Lieutenant McARTHUR's actions during the attack, and his example in pointing out targets, directing the fire, and encouraging the men, assisted in great measure to prevent the enemy gaining an entrance into that portion of the line."

1 Sep 1918: Wounded AIF WW1, Lieutenant, 2558, 54th Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant McARTHUR was killed by a machine gun bullet whilst leading his company across a small foot bridge over a canal at the south end of Peronne, France.

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Biography contributed by Daryl Jones

Son of Mrs BOYCE and brother of Miss Alice H McARTHUR and Miss Winifred BOYCE all of Star and Garter Hotel, Waterloo Road Southampton, England.