Edmund Patrick Gallagher

Edmund Patrick Gallagher (Service No 5696) was born to Patrick and Mary Ann Gallagher. As a local resident of Keiraville, Edmund enlisted at Wollongong 7 June 1916 at the age of 21.

He was a member of the NSW Cadets before enlisting.

Edmund was wounded in action, and died shortly after. One of his fellow soldiers wrote to Edmund's sister, Dot, recounting his injury and death, an excerpt of which follows:

'… Pte Gallagher was wounded on the night of Feb. 5th and died about an hour after being hit. The Stretcher bearers of the 16th Battn tried very hard to carry him back to the dressing station but he was delirious and very restless and they were unable to keep him on the stretcher and before they could get far he was dead. It was only a very small wound and appeared to be through the heart. Owing to very heavy casualties I am very sorry to say until the time we were relieved he was not buried. There is absolutely no doubt as to his identity. He was a good soldier and a good comrade and if you are corresponding with his relatives I would be pleased if you would convey to them my deepest sympathy.'
Letter from J.A Denny 5002 13th Battalion. France. 21/11/1917.

Edmund is buried at Bancourt British Cemetery, France and he is commemorated on the Keiraville Honour Roll, which was originally in the Keiraville Mechanics’ Institute.