John Terrence O'Neil
From Our Contribution
 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | not known 1897 |
| Place of Birth | Jarrahdale, Western Australia |
| Death | 10 Jul 1917 |
| Place of Death | Messines, Belgium |
| Age at Enlistment | 18 years, 6 months |
| Description |
5'7" (1.70m) tall ; 141 lbs 63.956 kg ; fresh complexion ; grey eyes ; dark brown hair |
| Occupation | Mill hand |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Address | Jarrahdale, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Father , Mr Joseph O'Neill |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | 256 |
| Date of Enlistment | 18 Jan 1916 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit/Formation | 44th Battalion, B Company / 11th brigade, 3rd Division |
| Date of Embarkation | 6 Jun 1916 ‒ 21 Jul 1916 |
| Ship Embarked On | HMAT A29 Suevic |
| Fate | Killed in Action 10 Jul 1917 Messines, Belgium |
| Monument |
Jarrahdale War Memorial Jarrahdale Honour Roll Menin Gate Memorial ANZAC Memorial Park (Byford) Australian War Memorial |
| Medals |
British War Medal Victory Medal |
War Service
An inaugural member of B Company of the 44th Battalion, he travelled with them to England where they carried out further preparatory training at Lark Hill before entering France. From 19 - 29 Aug 1916 John was hospitalised with tonsillitis in the Fargo Hospital. Before going overseas, he was AWOL from midnight 30 Oct 1916 until 6:00am 1 Nov 1916, and was awarded 2 days Field Punishment No 2., and forfeiture of 4 days pay.
On 25 Nov 1916 he travelled overseas to France with the 44th Battalion and they moved into the reserve area at Steenwerck. From 22 Apr until 4 May 1917 he attended a 3rd Division School (subject not include in records).
Killed in Action on 10 Jul 1917. The Battalion War Diary reports no action as such for that day as they were in support trenches near Messines. However, it mentions that the enemy shelled Steignast Farm and the support line trenches, and the supports again that night so it is fair to assume that John's death was caused by the enemy artillery.
While records include an entry "Buried 200 yards north of the cross roads, 2,500 ENE of Messines and 2,000 NW of Warneton" his body was unable to be found later, and thus he is listed on the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres.
Notes
Mother awarded pension of 40/- per fortnight from 21 Sep 1917.