MEEHAN, Michael

Family name:

MEEHAN

Given names:

Michael

Alternative name:

Michael Corbett Meehan

Gender:

Male

Religion:

Roman Catholic

Date of birth:

1 February 1880

Place of birth:

Birth Colac, Victoria

, Australia

Military service:

WW1

Field of service:

AIF

Regimental number:

2217

Regimental number:

2217A

Rank:

Private

Military units:

59th Battalion, 4th Reinforcement

60th Battalion

Military campaign:

Somme

Date of death:

3 July 1941

Place of death:

Death Preston Victoria

, Australia

Decorations and medallions:

British War Medal, Victory Medal, Star

Biographical notes:

Born in Colac, Victoria, Michael Meehan was the son of John and Ellen Corbett. When he enlisted on 6 May, 1916, he was already 36 years and three months old, a single man, working as a labourer. He was not a big man, only 5' 4" in height, with blue eyes and brown hair. By religion, he was a Roman Catholic.

Michael Meehan went to military camp for three months, though his record does not show where he was, probably Broadmeadows or Royal Park, Melbourne. He embarked for overseas service on 1 August, 1916, diembarking at Plymouth on 14 September, where he would have undergone more training. Then, on 6 December, 1916, he departed from England on board H.M.S. Princess Henrietta, landing at Etaples, France. From Etaples, he was sent out to join his unit, the 58th Battalion, leaving on 30 December. He was taken on strength in the field on 2 January, 1917.

He remained at the Western Front until 13 May, 1917, when he was sent to the Irish School of Musketry for further training, re-joining his battalion on 20 May. The conditions in the trenches were poor and on 17 September, Michael Meehan came down with trench fever. He was sent to the 59th General Hospital and did not return to the front until 6 March 1918, where he was allotted to join the 60th Battalion, following a military re-shuffle of the battalions. he was also given a new number, 2217A. He remained with the 60th Battalion to the war's end.

Michael Meehan returned to Australia on board the Orsova, leaving England on 8 January, 1919, and landing in Melbourne on 27 February. He was discharged from further military duty on 27 February, 1919. In 1924, he made application under the War Service Act for a housing grant. He was, at that time, still living with his mother at 40 Albert St., East Melbourne, along with his mother, and presumably his sister, Mary Ellen. Another member of the household was his wife, Della Rosa, and the couple would be eager to hav a house of their own. In 1928, he and Della Rose were living at Combie St., Preston, Michael Meehan was working at a labourer. He died on 3rd July, 1941, and was described as a tanner.

Acknowledgments:

N.A.A. Service Record Michael Meehan

Ancestry: Births, Deaths and Marriages, Electoral Rolls,