Michael Coughlin

Submitted by Mt Kembla Minin... on Fri, 10/11/2017 - 13:18

First Name:

Michael

Last Name:

Coughlin

Mother's Name:

Anne nee Coughlin Moloney

Father's Name:

Thomas Coughlin

Date Enlisted:

Friday, July 23, 1915

Rank at Enlistment:

Private

Rank at Discharge:

Private

Unit:

2nd Battalion

Company:

Service:

Infantry

Awards:

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Date of Death:

Thursday, October 4, 1917

Place of Death:

Polygon Wood, Belgium

Cause of Death:

Killed in action

Details:

Michael Coughlin (Service No 4162/ 4162A) was born in Sydney around 1887.

At enlistment Michael was single, 28 years old and worked as a labourer; he nominated his sister Mary in Rozelle, Sydney as next of kin.

Michael embarked from Sydney on board HMAT A60 Aeneas with 4th Battalion, 11th Reinforcement on 29th December 1915. Prior to leaving he received a large send off from Wollongong.

He arrived in Egypt and was transferred to 2nd Battalion on 14th February 1916. Michael arrived in France on 28th March 1916 with D Compnay, 15 Platoon and saw service on the Western Front with them.

He was admitted to hospital sick with trench feet on 26th February 1917, returning to his unit on 25th September 1917. On 4th October 1917 Michael was attempting to set up a strong point in the front line when, at about 10.30am, a shell exploded and he was killed. Michael was buried at the time but the location of his grave has been lost.

Michael's sacrifice is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial at Ypres Belgium & on the Kiama Memorial Arch and Honour Rolls.

Sources:

NAA: B2455, COUGHLIN M