John Wilson Riordan
John Riordan was a 23 year old single shunter from Bellambi when he enlisted. He was one of 11 children.
He embarked on HMAT A38 Ulysses on 22nd December 1914 with H Company, 13th Battalion. After training in Egypt he was sent to Gallipoli arriving on 25th April. John survived Gallipoli and was posted to the Western Front after being promoted to Sergeant on 5th March 1916.
John served with A Company but while engaged in the Somme battles he was killed in action. He has no known grave and is remembered on the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneaux.
On the 19th April 1917 issue of the Government gazette his D C M award was published. The award was granted on 25th October 1916. The citation gives no date or place but reads as follows:
Distinguished Conduct Medal
'For conspicuous gallantry in action. During an advance in a dense fog a doubtful order to retire was passed down, but he immediately countermanded the order, and by his coolness and fine example held his men fast.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 62; Date: 19 April 1917
Links
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John Wilson Riordan - AIF Project
- https://www.aif.adfa.edu.au/showPerson?pid=255858
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John Wilson Riordan - Embarkation Roll
- https://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1773316/
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John Wilson Riordan - Roll of Honour
- https://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1666088/
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John Wilson Riordan - Honours and Awards (Recommendation)
- https://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1581906/
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John Wilson Riordan - Honours and Awards
- https://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1519299/
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John Wilson Riordan - Red Cross Wounded and Missing
- https://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1500961/
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John Wilson Riordan - Commonwealth War Graves Commission
- http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/1454804/RIORDAN,%20JOHN%20WILSON
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John Wilson Riordan - Trove
- http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article135950472