John Henry Magnay

Submitted by Mt Kembla Minin... on Tue, 30/08/2016 - 13:07

First Name:

John

Middle Name:

Henry

Last Name:

Magnay

Mother's Name:

Fannie Magnay nee Jennings

Father's Name:

William Magnay

Date Enlisted:

Thursday, January 7, 1915

Rank at Enlistment:

Private

Rank at Discharge:

Sergeant

Unit:

13th Battalion

Service:

Infantry

Awards:

1914/1915 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Date of Death:

Sunday, September 24, 1978

Place of Death:

Sydney

Details:

John Magnay (Service No 1786) was born in Northumberland, England in July 1895. He came to Australia in July 1914 with his brother Joseph and settled in Helensburgh, N.S.W.

At enlistment John was single, 19 years old, and worked as a driver.

He embarked from Sydney on HMAT A9 Shropshire with 4th Reinforcements, 13th Battalion on 17th March 1915. After arriving in Egypt he was sent to Gallipoli on 1st June 1915 and served there until he became ill and was evacuated on 6th August 1915.

John then went to Malta and Egypt, finally returning to Gallipoli in November 1915.

John was then sent to France, arriving on 8th June 1916. He was wounded in action on 29th August 1916. After treatment for a gun shot wound he returned to his unit on 29th September 1916.

On 24th October 1916 he was promoted to Corporal and on 19th January 1917 promoted to Sergeant.

On 11th April 1917 John was fighting at Reincourt when he was wounded a second time and evacuated to hospital for treatment of gun shot wounds to both thighs and his right hand.

His injuries were severe and he was returned to Australia in October 1917. After further treatment in Australia John was discharged on 12th June 1918.

In 1919 John joined the NSW Police Force and went ot to become a police prosecutor and an Inspector. He served in Sydney and Wollongong during his police career.

In 1921 he married Doris Allen in Sydney and they had one child.

John died in Sydney in 1978.

John's brother Joseph also served.

Sources:

NAA: B2455, MAGNAY JOHN HENRY