Oswald McCloskie

Submitted by Mt Kembla Minin... on Sat, 28/01/2017 - 13:27

First Name:

Oswald

Last Name:

McCloskie

Date of Birth:

Tuesday, March 24, 1874

Mother's Name:

Mary McCloskie nee Frew

Father's Name:

Oswald McCloskie

Date Enlisted:

Sunday, August 22, 1915

Rank at Enlistment:

Private

Rank at Discharge:

Private

Unit:

54th Battalion

Service:

Infantry

Awards:

British War Medal

Victory Medal

1914/1915 Star

Date of Death:

Sunday, February 2, 1930

Details:

Private Oswald McCloskie (Service No 4831) was born in Meath, Ireland and emigrated to Australia with his family in 1877. In 1903, Oswald married Harriett Stevenson in Woonona, NSW. Oswald had previously served 7 years with the Citizen Military Force in the St George Rifles attaining the rank of Sergeant. At the time of enlistment Oswald was married, 40 years of age and employed as an engine driver in Corrimal, NSW. Oswald embarked on the HMAT A15 - Star of England with 2nd Battalion, 15th Reinforcements on 8th March 1916 for Egypt. On 20 April 1916 he was posted to 54th Battalion. Oswald was sent to the Western Front in France on 29 June 1916 and fought in the Battle of Fromelles. An article was printed in the Maitland Mercury on 28 October 1916 describing Oswald's service in Egypt and France. On 17th December 1916 he was admitted to hospital for treatment but was transferred to a hospital in England for further treatment as his condition was serious. On 13th April 1917 he was placed on detatchment to the 1st Australian Dermatalogical Hospital and on 1st November 1918, Oswald was transferred from Infantry to the Medical Corps. In June 1919, he returned to Australia as nursing staff. Oswald was discharged into the 2nd Military District on 11th September 1919. After his discharge from the Army, Oswald took to mining at Corrimal. He died in 1930 and is buried in Bulli, NSW.

Sources:

NAA: B2455, MCCLOSKIE OSWALD