Private Peter Joseph O’Reilly – 5378

Peter Joseph O’Reilly was born in South Australia in 1893 and enlisted in February 1916. He was a Private in the 19th Battalion before being transferred to the 18th Battalion. During his service he had a number of illnesses and wounds as well as a number of disciplinary actions after being absent without leave and drunkenness. After being discharged he joined the Russian Relief Force.

Details

Birth: Peter was born in Adelaide, South Australia in 1893 and had one sister Catherine Taylor (née O’Reilly).

Religion and Occupation: Roman Catholic Hairdresser.

Enlistment: He enlisted in Bathurst, NSW on the 18th of February 1916.

Embarkation: Peter departed Sydney on the 22nd of August 1916 on board the HMAT Wiltshire A18.

Service Details:

• Private 24/6/16 – 18/12/16 4th Reinforcements, 19th Battalion, 5th Brigade, A.I.F.
• Private 18/12/16 – 11/10/18 19th Battalion, 5th Brigade, A.I.F.
• Private 11/10/18 – 5/7/19 Transferred to 18th Battalion, 5th Brigade, A.I.F.
• Discharged from A.I.F. on the 5th of July 1919 in London.
• Joined the Machine Gun Corps of the Russian Relief Force on the 26/5/19

Wounds and Illness:

• Venereal Disease 29/8/16 – 31/8/16
• Trench Feet 9/3/17 – 2/5/17
• Scabies 24/7/17 – 9/8/17
• Boils 24/8/17 – 28/8/17
• Scabies 2/10/17 – 11/10/17
• Trench Feet 8/4/18 – 22/5/18

Military Discipline:

• Absent Without Leave 24/10/16 – Soldier went absent without leave between 7am and 5pm.
• Drunken Behaviour 28/10/16 – Soldier was charged with drunkenness, insulting an officer and assaulting an officer.
  • Received 14 days detention as punishment
• Absent Without Leave 2/12/16 – Soldier went absent without leave from 12:30 until 4pm when arrested.
  • Forfeited 4 days pay.
• Drunkenness 18/10/17 – Charged with being Drunk while on active service
• Absent Without Leave 9/11/17 – 15/11/17 – Soldier was absent without leave from 8am on the 9th to 5pm on the 15th of November.
  • Forfeited 28 Days pay.

Medals: Victory Medal and British War Medal

Sources:

http://discoveringanzacs.naa.gov.au/browse/records/432086

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R1869266

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R2228872