John Francis Cecil Gallagher

Private John Gallagher (Service Nos 2722 & 3509/3509A) was born July 1895 in Sydney, N.S.W.

At the time of enlistment John was single, 21 years of age and employed as a blacksmith in Bulli, N.S.W. John had served 4 years in the Citizen Military Forces.

John embarked on HMAT A54, Runic with the 1st Battalion, 8th Reinforcements on 9th August 1915 for Egypt. After a short stay in Egypt, he was sent to Gallipoli arriving on 4th November 1915. After the evacuation of Gallipoli, John was transferred to 53rd Battalion, 9th Reinforcements but was admitted to hospital with pneumonia. He was repatriated to Australia in June 1916 due to health issues and was discharged in the 2nd Military District on 31 August 1916.

John re-enlisted on 20 November 1916 and on 24th January 1917 he embarked on HMAT A68, Anchises, arriving in England on 27th March 1917.

On 1st September 1917, he joined the 35th Battalion, D Company, 14th Platoon in Belgium and on 4th October 1917 during the Battle of Passchendaele John was wounded in action. He was sent to hospital and returned to his unit on 22nd October 1917.

On 14th April 1918, John was again wounded in action and admitted to hospital for treatment after a gas attack.

John was returned to his unit on 9th June 1918 and while engaged in the fight on the front line on 23rd August 1918 he was killed in action. He was hit in the neck by shrapnel and killed instantly.

John is buried in Bray Military Cemetery, Plot II, Row 1, Grave 14, Bray-sur-Somme, France.