LT. FREDERICK BELL VC MEMORIAL LECTURE 2012

“SUPER-VC AND TWO CROIX DE GUERRE - THE LIFE OF LT. LAWRENCE DOMINIC McCARTHY VC”

BY ROBERT K. O’CONNOR QC RETURNED & SERVICES LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA – WA BRANCH (INC) COTTESLOE RETURNED AND SERVICES LEAGUE SUB-BRANCH COTTESLOE CIVIC CENTRE, 9 NOVEMBER 2012 LT. FREDERICK BELL VC MEMORIAL LECTURE 2012

“SUPER-VC AND TWO CROIX DE GUERRE - THE LIFE OF LT. LAWRENCE DOMINIC McCARTHY VC”

BY ROBERT K. O’CONNOR QC

RETURNED & SERVICES LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA – WA BRANCH (INC) COTTESLOE RETURNED AND SERVICES LEAGUE SUB-BRANCH COTTESLOE CIVIC CENTRE, 9 NOVEMBER 2012

© COPYRIGHT in this Lecture is held by Robert Kenneth O’Connor HOWEVER any part may be reproduced PROVIDED THAT acknowledgement of this Lecture and Mr O’Connor as the source is given in that reproduction. The moral rights of Mr O’Connor as author are hereby asserted. CONTENTS

Dedication and Acknowledgements i

List of photographs at pages 8 to 11 and Photograph credits ii Dedication Chapter 1 Introduction 1 For Simone, Brian, Abigail and Danny Eley, Chapter 2 Difficult early years at orphanage and at employment 1 Stephanie, Andrew, Madeleine and Lucas Hillbeck, Chapter 3 Early army career 2 and Peter O’Connor

Chapter 4 Bravery decorations : Croix de Guerre (Avec Palme), 3 Victoria Cross, and Croix De Guerre Acknowledgements Chapter 5 Back in Western Australia 5 I thank the following people for their encouragement, Chapter 6 The Diggers’ tipping competition - The dispute 6 support and assistance in my preparation of this Lt. between McCarthy and the RSL WA Branch, Frederick Bell VC Memorial Lecture: and its aftermath

Chapter 7 Life after moving to Melbourne 12 Dr Ross J Bastiaan AM, RFD, Odna Borlaug, Lorraine Clarke and Cherie Strickland (Swan Genealogy), Chapter 8 Dr Ross Jan Bastiaan AM, RFD 12 Judith K Corbett, David A T Cruse, Timothy P Cruse, Dr G Michael Galvin RFD, Dr Neville J Green AM, Terry Chapter 9 Deaths and probate 13 Hewett, J Patrick Hooper, Naomi Lam (RSL WA Branch Archivist), Reginald J and Winifred McCarthy, Susan Chapter 10 Disposition of medals 14 McCarthy, Warren McCarthy, Marguerite Maxwell, Chapter 11 Personal side 14 Mildred T Millar, Kathlyn A Morison, Patricia M O’Connor, Janice and Andrew Shortland, Brian G Tennant JP, Karen Chapter 12 Possible descendants 16 Vann ( Christian Brothers Westcourt Archivist) and Desmond Wright. Chapter 13 Need for greater recognition 18

Sources, references, and further reading 19

i List of photographs at pages 8 to 11 Chapter 1 Introduction Brothers built a new orphanage at Clontarf on the bank of the Canning River in 1901, and all the 1. McCarthy’s mother, Ann McCarthy, nee Sherry, who died in 1896 aged 28. Just inside the entrance to the Town Hall at York, orphan boys took up residence at Clontarf (the 2. McCarthy’s younger brother John Edward McCarthy (father of Reginald John) in 1911 aged 17. Western Australia, there is an honour board suburb is now called Waterford). The 81 orphan containing the names of all the young men of York boys who were the first boys at Clontarf got to 3. Lawrence Dominic McCarthy VC, c.1919. who served in the armed forces for Australia in Clontarf from St Joseph’s in Subiaco by trudging 4. Lawrence Dominic McCarthy VC, December 1918. World War I. One name listed is “L D McCarthy VC”. the 16 km on foot. At some time unknown to me 5. McCarthy and nephew Reginald John McCarthy in Melbourne 1942. (McCarthy’s inscription on the Although I was born in York, I had never after McCarthy was admitted to the orphanage back: “What a pity you are cut off. The fat boy could have easily been the one to have been cut!!!”) heard of him, and my initial enquiries about him in 1896, his names were changed from Florence 6. Son Lawrence Junior and McCarthy’s wife Polly at their roof-top flat, Melbourne, c.1945. did not elicit any information. I consulted the Joseph to Lawrence Dominic. In some later articles, book he is named “Dominic”. To his extended family and 7. McCarthy arriving at Clontarf Orphanage on a visit in 1956. “Bravest : How some of Australia’s greatest war heroes won their medals”, by Robert Macklin, some friends, he was called “Sykes”. His nicknames 8. McCarthy (left) with two of his three brothers, Patrick and James. which merely listed McCarthy as one of the then in the Army were “Fats”, because of his bulky 9. McCarthy’s widow Florence Minnie (“Polly”) McCarthy who died in 1996 aged 103. 96 Australians who had been awarded the Victoria appearance, and “Mac”. 10. Winifred and Reginald John McCarthy and McCarthy’s first cousin once-removed Mildred T Millar Cross, but did not give any details whatsoever 2011. as to what feats he had achieved to deserve a For his four years at Clontarf, Lawrence was 11. Dr Ross Jan Bastiaan AM, RFD. VC. I therefore decided to research the matter. I under the care of Christian Brothers Ryan (the have now learnt about the incredible valour and Superior), Bodkin and O’Connor. Lawrence 12. McCarthy’s grandnephew Warren McCarthy 2012. gallantry of this Western Australian soldier and shrewdly volunteered to work in the kitchen while 13. Andrew and McCarthy’s grandniece Janice Shortland 2012. believe that his story should be much more widely at Clontarf, as this gave him the opportunity to eat 14. Marjorie Ida Cruse (nee Thackrah) on her wedding day 1940. known, especially in his home State of Western food scraps which supplemented the inadequate 15. Marjorie Ida Cruse with her son David and her daughter Judith (now Corbett). Australia and the town of his birth, York. meals he was given. Lawrence was grateful for the education, manual skills, toughness and upbringing 16. David Cruse with the plaque erected by Dr Ross Bastiaan AM, RFD on the wall of the When I made contact with the York RSL Sub- he received from the Christian Brothers at Clontarf. Vermandovillers Town Hall, 2012. branch, I was told that the RSL York Sub-branch He described the Irish Brother Bodkin as a saint. has a Lt L D McCarthy VC Club and Bar and that These are the sorts of sentiments he expressed in in 2007 an extensive memorial and pavilion in Lt later life when he re-visited Clontarf and addressed Photograph credits McCarthy’s honour were unveiled at the RSL Club the boys at school assemblies or was interviewed at which military historian Dr Mike Galvin presented by newspapers. One such occasion was on 16 1. Photo courtesy Reg McCarthy. a talk on McCarthy. This Lecture looks in closer September 1956 when he and his wife travelled detail at McCarthy VC’s life. back from England on the Himalaya and had a 2. Photo courtesy Reg McCarthy. stop-over at Fremantle. McCarthy had written to 3. Photo courtesy Australian War Memorial, Canberra, AWM-P01383.016 Brother Doyle of Clontarf to tell him that he would 4. Photo courtesy Australian War Memorial, Canberra, AWM P02939.036 visit Clontarf. At the time Clontarf had a brass band 5. Photo courtesy Reg McCarthy. Chapter 2 Difficult early years at and the band welcomed McCarthy by playing as he disembarked at the wharf from the Himalaya. 6. Photo courtesy Reg McCarthy. orphanage and at employment Presenting an impressive after-dinner speech at a 7. Photo courtesy Janice Shortland. During his early life and war service, McCarthy Clontarf gala celebration feast, McCarthy told the 8. Photo courtesy Reg McCarthy. went by several names. He was born at York on boys that he had been proud to represent Clontarf 9. Photo courtesy Odna Borlaug. 21 January 1892. His father was named Florence at the Victoria Cross centenary celebrations in McCarthy and his mother was Ann nee Sherry. Britain, and he praised the work of the Brothers 10. Photo by Rob O’Connor. At birth, McCarthy was named Florence Joseph over the generations: “There is no better place 11. Photo courtesy Ross Bastiaan. McCarthy. He was baptised three days later, on in the world than Clontarf. It was here that the 12. Photo by Rob O’Connor. 24 January 1892, at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, discipline that was to help me so much was instilled 13. Photo by Rob O’Connor. York, under the same names Florence Joseph. in me. … Do all you can for the Brothers, they have 14. Photo courtesy David Cruse and Judith Corbett. devoted their lives to your welfare, nothing can be McCarthy was orphaned at the age of three, four too good for them.” One student at Clontarf at the 15. Photo courtesy David Cruse and Judith Corbett. days before his fourth birthday. His mother Ann time, Brian Tennant, who heard McCarthy speak, 16. Photo courtesy David Cruse. died at age 28 on 17 January 1892. His father told me that McCarthy spoke with great fervour as 17. Photo courtesy David Cruse. Florence was unable to cope with bringing up their if he was a priest presenting a sermon. However, four young sons, and (I have been told) deserted it must be the case that on occasions there were them on the day of Ann’s death and burial. The times that were unpleasant and unhappy because, youngest, John Edward (known as Ted), aged on a return visit to Clontarf with his brother Ted 1 , was brought up by Florence’s sister-in-law and later in his life, Lawrence was asked by a Christian brother-in-law, Mildred and Jack Sherry. The three Brother: “You must be pleased to see over these other boys, James, Patrick John and Florence buildings again?” Lawrence replied: “Yes I am, but Joseph [Lawrence], were admitted to Subiaco I must say that if, when I die, there is a Hell for me, Boys’ Orphanage, run by the Sisters of Mercy, on then there will be a Hell for some of the Brothers 21 January 1896 (Lawrence’s 4th birthday). In 1899, who were here too!” Patrick, one of Lawrence’s when McCarthy was seven, he and his two brothers elder brothers who was at Clontarf with Lawrence, were transferred to the Christian Brothers at St later told his family that “Clontarf was the cruellest Joseph’s Orphanage, also at Subiaco. The Christian place on Earth”.

ii 1 As I understand it, Lawrence’s father had no were included. The particulars were provided to McCarthy arrived at Alexandria, Egypt, on Avec Palme (“with palm”). McCarthy’s brother Jim contact with Lawrence after Lawrence’s admission the Registrar by the undertaker who obviously was 3 February 1915. The 16th Battalion, consisting of (“Mr J McCarthy , Lion Mill , WA”) received a letter to the orphanage at Subiaco in 1896. relying on details given by others who probably men from Western Australia and South Australia, dated 31 October 1917 from “Base Records Office, were not well-informed. Although it is theoretically trained for two months with other ANZAC forces AIF” setting out an extract from Supplement The death certificates of Lawrence’s parents Ann possible that Florence fathered two further at Heliopolis and were then placed on standby for No. 30043 to the London Gazette of 1 May 1917 and Florence reveal the following interesting facts – children subsequent to Ann’s death, I speculate operations at Gallipoli. On 11 April 1915 the 16th which advised of the granting of the award (see that it is more likely that in his final years Florence’s Battalion embarked on the HMTS Hyda Pasha. the National Archives of Australia service file for ANN: mental condition was such that his memory was McCarthy landed at Gallipoli at about 4 pm on McCarthy). Unfortunately, the citation for the Croix Date and place of death: 17 January 1896 at York. very poor, resulting in his forgetting the names of Anzac Day itself, 25 April 1915. In 1965, McCarthy de Guerre is not recorded on McCarthy’s service (Just four days later, three of her four sons were Lawrence (Known only as Florence Joseph to him) was interviewed on sound tape by the then record, and specific details of his brave exploits at admitted to the orphanage at Subiaco.) and John Edward and in his mind creating another 14-years old Ross Bastiaan (see later) and I have Beaumetz are therefore not fully known. For part of boy and a girl. bought a copy of that CD tape from the Australian the citation, see: Ian Gill, Bloody Angle Bullecourt She died of pertussis (whooping cough) and War Memorial, Canberra. In the tape, McCarthy said & Beyond at page 249. This Croix de Guerre Avec tuberculosis, which she had for four months, the Lawrence left Clontarf on 30 November 1905, at that the Turks taunted the Australians by calling Palme is held by the Australian War Memorial in doctor last seeing her on the day before she died. age 13 years 10 months; he was apprenticed for four out to them: “You kangaroo-hopping Australian Canberra. years at a farm at Jennacubbine near Northam. He bastards” and “Advance Australia, if you can”. Her parents were Peter Sherry and Mary nee Morgan. was later a contractor for two years at a sawmill McCarthy was engaged in heavy fighting on the A total of 214 Croix de Guerre medals were Her death was registered on the day she died, and with Bunning Bros at Lion Mill (now Mt Helena) Gallipoli Peninsula, was promoted to Sergeant on awarded to AIF soldiers during World War I, and she was buried that very day in the Catholic section cutting sleepers for the Western Australian Railways. 1 September, was wounded in September, and was only two of them were awarded Avec Palme. of the York cemetery, but without the presence of a Several fingers on his left hand were severed in a evacuated to the Isle of Imbros for convalescence. priest. mill accident. At Lion Mill, he lived with his brother He returned to Gallipoli in November 1915 and was Two days after being presented with that award, Patrick and Patrick’s wife Amy (nee Linto). among the last in his battalion to leave Gallipoli McCarthy was promoted to Lieutenant. She had been born in York and lived in WA all her on 20 December 1915. Apart from his absence on 28 years. Prior to enlisting in the Australian Infantry Forces, convalescence, he was at Gallipoli from the very From February to August 1918 McCarthy was Lawrence spent 2 years with the 18th Australian start to the very finish. an instructor for Australian soldiers at Tidworth, She had married Florence at York at age 20. Light Horse. England, and he then rejoined the 16th Battalion The Anzacs regrouped and did further training in in France for the Battle of Amiens offensive which Youngest son John Edward (Ted) was aged one Lawrence was rejected when he first tried to Egypt for a type of warfare for which they were began on 8 August 1918. Two weeks later, on when his mother Ann died. enlist with the AIF because of his missing figures. ill-prepared, ie. the bloody trench battles and lethal 23 August 1918, McCarthy performed his However, when he was able to establish that he had massed artillery which awaited them in France and courageous feats for which he was awarded the FLORENCE: won shooting competitions at the Northam Rifle Belgium. A postcard McCarthy sent to his brother very highest award for valour, the Victoria Cross. Date of death: 22 July 1918, which is 22 years after Club, he was accepted for enlistment on from Egypt is now held by the Australian War After an hour’s bombing by his 16th Battalion the death of Ann, and a month before McCarthy 23 September 1914 at the age of 22 years 8 months Memorial, Canberra and says: “Expecting to leave troops near Madame Wood, near Vermandovillers, earned his Victoria Cross at Madame Wood. and signed the Enlistment Oath on 16 October 1914. for the front in a day or two. Very anxious to see where the battalion was heavily opposed by Interesting details shown on his enlistment form action. Hope to make a name for myself or stay well-posted machine guns, there was a pause in Place of death: Hospital for Insane, Claremont, include that he was 5’ 7” tall, weighed 13 stone, there. Having a good old time in Egypt.” the action. As company commander, McCarthy which is the former Claremont Mental Hospital, had a chest measurement of 40/42”, and he did An excellent article on McCarthy’s war history in checked to see what was wrong. When told that known as the Lunatic Asylum. not name any next of kin. In the distinctive marks the next two years (1916 – 1918) has been written the bomb supply of two companies was nearly section, no mention was made of his missing fingers. by Mr Des Wright of Merriwa and I am pleased to spent, McCarthy said that there was only one His occupation was stated to be Station Hand. recommend that to persons who are interested in thing to do - to charge the obstacle. The following Lawrence did his training at Blackboy Hill, Helena that detailed information. detailed version of what McCarthy did is taken His age was “about 65 years”, which is obviously Vale, which is now the site of Greenmount Primary from the report signed by Sir John Monash, General only an estimate. If accurate, this would have made School. Commanding Australian Corps. him 43 when Ann died at 28. Chapter 4 Bravery decorations : Lt Lawrence Dominic McCarthy “is expressly The causes of death were arteriosclerosis and Croix De Guerre (Avec Palme), brought to notice for his wonderful gallantry, exhaustion. Chapter 3 Early army career Victoria Cross, and Croix De Guerre initiative and leadership on the morning of the 23rd August 1918, when an attack was being made near His parents were Patrick McCarthy and Mary nee McCarthy sailed from Fremantle on the Indarra MADAME WOOD, West of VERMANDOVILLERS N Moloney, Patrick being a farm labourer. on 21 November 1914 as a member of the 16th By June 1916, the 16th Battalion were in France, of CHAULENS. The objective of this Battalion was Battalion, and went to Broadmeadows, Victoria for and in August they were fighting at Pozieres and obtained without serious opposition. The Battalion He was buried two days after his death in the Catholic further training. His Army number was 422. Mouquet Farm. McCarthy became a Company on the left flank were less fortunate. Here several section of Karrakatta cemetery by a Catholic priest. He sailed from Melbourne in the Ceramic on Sergeant-Major in March 1917, and a Second well-posted Machine Gun posts were holding up the 22 December 1914 and left Albany on 31 December Lieutenant on 1 April 1917. The day after receiving attack and heavy fire was being brought to bear on He had been born at Cork, Ireland, and was stated 1914 en route to Egypt. Like thousands of other that commission he was wounded in the first attack our left flank. When Lieut. McCARTHY realised the to have come to WA 23 years earlier which would Australian soldiers, he gazed at Mt Clarence as his on Bullecourt and evacuated to England, where situation he at once engaged the nearest Machine be 1895, which is obviously incorrect. ship sailed away from King George Sound, Albany, he spent three months in hospital, rejoining his Gun post, but still the attacking troops failed to get for his last view of Australia for five years. The battalion on 9 July 1917. In one of his engagements forward. This officer then determined to attack the The ages stated for his two elder sons James centenary of those departures by Anzac soldiers McCarthy lost a testicle. nearest post. Leaving his men to continue the fire “20” and Patrick “19” were incorrect, the names will be commemorated with much ceremony at fight, he, with two others, dashed across the area of Lawrence and John Edward were omitted, and the end of 2014 as a prelude to the centenary of In 1917, at Beaumetz, McCarthy earned the Croix de and dropped into a disused trench which had been two other names (Daniel or David 17, and Mary 15) Anzac. Guerre, the top French bravery award, and it was blocked. One of his two men was killed whilst doing

2 3 this. He was now right under the block over which and one solitary Australian was responsible for of McCarthy’s heroic deeds at Madame Wood Lion Mill, PO) on which McCarthy wrote: “Dear Pat, the enemy Machine Gun was firing. The presence 100 prisoners and casualties. Lieut. McCarthy has which, in part, states “For this conspicuous bravery, Expect to be leaving for Australia any day now. of head cover prevented the use of bombs. He got his VC and I don’t believe it was ever so well initiative and leadership, (McCarthy) was awarded Flossie following later. Bro Lawrence”. therefore tunnelled a hole through the bottom of earned since its history began. … I have never the Victoria Cross and the Croix de Guerre”. Note the block, through which he inserted his head and heard of such reckless courage and such amazing “this” and “and the Croix de Guerre”. In addition, in McCarthy arrived back in Western Australia on one arm. He at once shot dead the two men firing results before, even in the AIF.” What happened the abovementioned tape-recorded interview by 29 January 1920 on the SS Runic as the ship’s the gun. He then crawled through the hole he had was that, when the German company commander Dr Bastiaan in 1965, McCarthy stated that he was adjutant, and his wife arrived in Western Australia a made, and by himself charged down the trench. and German officer were killed by McCarthy, awarded both the Victoria Cross and a Croix de month later on 28 February 1920. the German troops, being without a leader, had Guerre for his brave deeds at Madame Wood. He threw his limited number of Mills bombs allowed themselves to become the prisoners of The Swan Express newspaper of 30 January 1920 among the German garrison and inflicted some McCarthy. An evaluation of McCarthy’s gallant and brave reported on the day after McCarthy landed back in more casualties. He then came in contact with fighting qualities can be gained from a realisation Western Australia: “Lt McCarthy is suffering from two German officers who fired on him with their Speaking to People magazine in 1951, McCarthy of the following. For his deeds at Madame Wood the strain as a result of his war experiences. His old revolvers. One of those he shot dead with his said that the 50 prisoners captured “is a purely near Vermandovillers, McCarthy was awarded a colleagues at Lion Mill hope this will not interfere revolver, the other he seriously wounded. arbitrary estimation”. When the German soldiers Victoria Cross which has been described as “the with his famous laugh.” “lined up with their hands in the air, McCarthy Super-VC” and “as perhaps the most effective He then charged down the trench using his revolver counted 110 of them”. fighting in the history of the AIF”. Yet the Croix The newspaper reported on 20 February 1920 that and throwing enemy stick bombs and captured de Guerre he received for this was without Avec McCarthy had been admitted to Base Hospital at three more enemy machine guns. At this stage, Captain Aarons, whose company was fighting with Palme. How great his efforts and achievements Fremantle. He was also in that hospital at various some 700 yards from his starting point, he was McCarthy’s, wrote “I have never heard of anything must have been at Beaumetz in 1917 when he won other times during the next 12 months. On 5 July joined by the NCO whom he had out-distanced so remarkable”. his first Croix de Guerre with Avec Palme when it 1920 the Prince of Wales visited the hospital and in when he crawled through the hole in the trench is the case that, of 214 Croix de Guerre awarded to the Victory Ward “had a happy little conversation block mentioned above. Together they continued Charles Bean, the official Australian war historian, the AIF in World War I, only two were Avec Palme, with McCarthy”. McCarthy remained in the Army to bomb up the trench, until touch was established writing in Volume VI of The Official History and McCarthy’s at Beaumetz was one of them!! until demobilised on 6 August 1920. He was again a with Lancashire Fusiliers, and in the meantime yet of Australia in the War of 1914-1918 described patient in the Base Hospital, Fremantle in February another Machine Gun had been captured. A total of McCarthy’s feats as “an achievement which, next Ten days after the War ended (ie. on 21 November 1921. 5 Machine Guns and 50 prisoners (37 unwounded to that of Lieut.[Albert] Jacka at Pozieres, was 1918), McCarthy was evacuated with influenza to and 13 wounded) were captured, whilst Lieut. perhaps the most effective feat of individual England. He rejoined the 16th Battalion on When not in the Base Hospital, McCarthy had a McCARTHY during his amazing and most daring fighting in the history of the AIF”. 7 January 1919. busy round of engagements as a War hero. On feat had single handed killed 20 of the enemy. 21 February 1920 he was a guest of honour at a McCarthy’s Victoria Cross award was approved by Florence Minnie Norville (known as Flossie and Naval and Military Club dinner. A Civic Reception Having cleared up a dangerous situation, he King George V and presented to him by the King at later in Australia “Polly”), of Weston-super-Mare, by the City of Perth was held in his honour at the proceeded to establish a garrison in the line. Whilst Buckingham Palace. worked as a housemaid at lodgings and McCarthy Perth Town Hall on 1 March 1920 at which speeches doing this he saw a number of the enemy getting met her when he checked in, after being wounded in his honour were made by Acting Mayor Franklin, away from neighbouring trenches. He at once McCarthy’s Victoria Cross was described within in France. They became engaged before the then Premier James Mitchell and General Sir John seized a Lewis Gun and inflicted further casualties his battalion and parts of the British press as “the 2nd Lt McCarthy returned to France and, after Talbot Hobbs. Hobbs said: “In Lieutenant McCarthy on the enemy. Super – VC”, which provides a graphic description being promoted to Lieutenant, went on the earn they had one of the most gallant men the Empire of the immensity of his incredibly brave feats his Victoria Cross and second Croix de Guerre at had yet produced, and the act for which he was The determined and daring conduct of this on that day. He achieved his own aspiration in Madame Wood. On 25 January 1919, they married given the VC was looked upon as one of the finest gallant officer saved a critical situation, prevented the postcard sent to his brother from Egypt of in Somerset in England. achievements in the whole of the war”. many casualties, and was mainly, if not entirely, “making a name for myself”. responsible for the final objective being taken.” In 1919 McCarthy had 75 days’ furlough in England. McCarthy and three other WA VCs left Perth McCarthy’s typical style of courageous and brave In a postcard he sent to a brother from Weston- by train on 12 March 1920 to take part in the Remarkably, as McCarthy led his captured enemy fighting can be gauged by the later (5 March 1920 super-Mare he said: “I hope you like the views St Patrick’s Day procession in Melbourne. away, they took his bombs and his revolver off him at Lion Mill) comments of his colleague Lt Ryan of Weston-s.m. It is a most picturesque Place & En route, while passing through Ballarat, they and patted him on his back in admiration, and, who said that “he did not see McCarthy win the VC some awfuly nice Girls & I am the boy for the Girls were honoured with an unexpected refreshments at his own suggestion, they carried him back to he got, but he saw him win a dozen others he did as you know. … Love from Flossie and Self. Bro L reception at the Returned Soldiers’ Institute. In the his Australian lines on their shoulders, as he led not get”. McCarthy”. For an extended period from 15 April St Patrick’s Day procession the VCs acted as an them back. McCarthy explained this to an Army 1919, McCarthy was on duty in Ireland, his position escort for Catholic Archbishop Daniel Mannix. padre, Father O’Callahan of the 4th Battalion, who What is not generally realised is that, in addition being “North Dublin Union Area Officer for Ireland” A complimentary farewell concert was given in the on 13 December 1918 wrote to Brother Bodkin of to his Victoria Cross, McCarthy was also awarded for Australian soldiers who were stationed in VCs’ honour at the Exhibition Building on Clontarf Orphanage, as follows (as published in a Croix de Guerre for these brave deeds at Ireland. It seems it was his responsibility to take 30 March 1920, at which over 10,000 people were The Swan Express on 21 March 1919): “Then the Madame Wood. That is, he won two Croix de control of an Irish uprising by being in control of present. Mannix, the notorious John Wren and the funny part came. The enemy closed in on the Guerre, this one at Madame Wood not being Avec the military operations in an area of conflict. VCs were seated at the top platform. McCarthy audacious Australian and took the bombs from him Palme. This Croix de Guerre is not recorded on was one of several who addressed the crowd at and prevented him from further slaughter. If they McCarthy’s service record. As I will explain later, the concert. (At some time McCarthy attended a only knew he was their prisoner! He kept shouting Dr Ross Bastiaan of Melbourne was a family friend dinner in Melbourne hosted by Wren and perhaps to his imaginary Force to come up. He disarmed of McCarthy and a sort of “adopted grandson” Chapter 5 Back in Western Australia it was during this trip to Melbourne.) them all and had them so meek as lambs by the and is a leading war historian and authority. time some of the Battalion had come up. Then McCarthy gifted this second Croix de Guerre to The Australian War Memorial holds a postcard On 26 July 1920 McCarthy was one of the the Huns must have felt fooled. They had held the Dr Bastiaan. Dr Bastiaan erected a plaque at the dated 14 November 1919 of Sackville Street, Dublin speakers in support of a motion at a meeting at ground against the English (Lancashire) Fusiliers, Vermandovillers Town Hall on the 75th anniversary from McCarthy to his brother Pat (Mr P J McCarthy, His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth protesting against

4 5 the proposed deportation of German-born Father soldiers welcomed the Prime Minister Stanley Bruce, J N O’Neil and McCarthy were connected with of the Committee be written to and thanked. Jerger who had not been given a trial and a the dominant note being the emphatic protest an illegal Diggers’ Tipping competition on Mr G D Shaw gave notice of his intention of chance of proving his innocence. against the ban placed by the State Government on the RSL premises. The State Secretary of the moving at the next meeting that McCarthy be addresses by the RSL to schoolchildren on Anzac RSL prepared a report into the matter and at expelled from the League under Rule 13 of the On 25 September 1920 McCarthy and three other Day. The report in the Daily News on 14 March its meeting on 24 November 1926 the State Constitution , which relevantly stated: “If any VCs were presented with life passes for four seats 1925 included McCarthy among its list of 11 very Executive approved the house committee’s steps member shall be guilty of conduct unbecoming at any performance by Tivoli Theatres anywhere in prominent people who were present at the function and resolved to dispense with the services of a gentleman or subversive to the objects of the Australia. with the Prime Minister. McCarthy as an employee forthwith. Earlier that League, or wilfully infringes the rules or by-laws evening, McCarthy’s resignation as a member of of the League,…, he shall be liable to expulsion On 18 January 1921 an article in The West The executive of the RSL decided at its meeting on the Executive had been tendered and accepted. upon a resolution to that effect, duly carried by the Australian stated that McCarthy was the endorsed 18 March 1925 to send a delegation including O’Neil was ejected from his tenancy of the committee of the State branch concerned.” Australian Labor Party candidate for the McCarthy to meet with Acting Premier William Hairdresser’s Shop in the RSL building. Legislative Assembly seat of Swan in the State Charles Angwin on talks to schoolchildren about The West Australian of 6 January 1927 reported Election to be held on 12 March 1921. Unfortunately Anzac Day celebrations. The deputation met McCarthy appealed against the termination of that, at the meeting on 5 January 1927, a notice for McCarthy, by 7 February 1921 he had to with the Acting Premier on 24 March 1925 with his employment on the grounds that he had not of motion in the name of Mr Shaw, bearing on the tender his resignation due to ill-health. He was each side putting its position. At the meeting, had an opportunity to defend himself and that Diggers’ Tipping competition and the part taken back in the Base Hospital in Fremantle and fresh McCarthy expressed the views which he conveyed there were incorrect statements in the secretary’s by McCarthy which sought to expel McCarthy nominations for the pre-selection had to be called. to the schoolchildren, not advocating militarism report, eg. he had not admitted conducting the from the State branch of the RSL, was held over He was replaced by Mr John Barkell Holman who but performing his duty of telling the children competition but only that he was connected to the next meeting. That meeting was held on was unsuccessful in the election. of the glorious deeds of their fathers and uncles with the competition. McCarthy sought a further 19 January 1927. According to the Western Argus who would never return. The talks to the children inquiry which was granted, the committee of (Kalgoorlie) of 25 January 1927, Shaw alleged Lawrence Norville McCarthy, McCarthy and Polly’s enabled them, while studying about the Empire, to inquiry being Rabbi Freedman, Colonel H B that McCarthy’s attitude at the inquiry and his only child , was born on 9 April 1921. hear from some of the soldiers themselves what Collett and Mr T A L Davy MLA. insinuations against officers of the RSL were they had done for the Empire. The Acting Premier subversive of the interests of the RSL and its On 23 April 1921 McCarthy spoke on the details of said that further discussions would take place in There was a lot of secrecy about the matter and interests demanded drastic action as a deterrent. a fighting unit and Gallipoli at the James Street Cabinet. the proceedings. The appeal was part-heard on I do not know whether they were the only grounds Intermediate School. 4 December 1926 and adjourned to 6 December argued for McCarthy’s expulsion or whether they On Anzac Day 1925 McCarthy was one of four VCs 1926. The minutes of the RSL Executive, which also included his connection with the Diggers’ On 17 February 1922 The Listening Post reported who followed immediately behind the hospital were not available to the public at the time but tipping competition. Rev E H O Noy thought that as follows: “The call of the land has been heard by patients who headed the march in motor cars now are, record that, at a meeting of the RSL McCarthy had suffered enough in being dismissed “Super VC” Fat McCarthy, who, accompanied by his on their way to the Esplanade. McCarthy also Executive on 22 December 1926, the report of in his employment. The Mirror of 22 January 1927 wife and bonnie kiddie, is taking up a selection at represented the RSL at the memorial service at the Appeal Committee was submitted with the treated the whole matter as a scandal. Its report Harvey. All friends will wish the genial Mac the best the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (St following findings- included the following: “Hush, Hush, Hush. The of luck.” Nothing more is heard of this venture and it Mary’s). In the afternoon he attended as honorary Digger Tipping Ramp, Ends in Serene Silence”. must have been short-lived. secretary at the Mt Lawley-North Perth RSL sub- 1. McCarthy became associated with the Diggers The motion before the State executive to expel branch service at the Queen’s Crescent monument Tipping Competition from its initiation McCarthy from the State branch of the RSL was On 24 March 1922, McCarthy spoke on behalf of the and helped sell the official Anzac brochure, with until some time after 27 October 1926. The lost 11 – 5. “A tipping competition was run for Mt Lawley sub-branch of the RSL and of returned proceeds going to the State War Memorial. On committee was unable to find as a fact the months from the RSL premises. It was a ramp and men throughout the State at an RSL function to bid 12 July 1925 he attended a military ball at the exact extent of his association with the even yet people don’t know who got the money. farewell to the Governor on his impending return to Nungarin Agricultural Hall and addressed the competition, but is fully satisfied that it was That’s the simple fact of the case.” England on holiday. gathering of over 250 people. On Remembrance closer than that admitted by him, namely Day 1925 he attended the message of peace merely the checking of the cards for a weekly (The Executive minutes of 19 January 1927 record McCarthy and Polly lived at 42 Union Street, Subiaco. service at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, wage of one pound five shillings. the names of the five who voted for McCarthy’s Perth and on behalf of the RSL deposited a expulsion, and the 11 who voted against it.) In January 1924 McCarthy commenced employment wreath on the altar as the last hymn was sung. 2. McCarthy incorrectly stated to the State with the RSL as the Manager of its League On 2 December 1926 he spoke at the RSL State Secretary on several occasions that the The Mirror said that the facts that McCarthy was a Employment Office. In January 1924 McCarthy was Congress seconding a motion which urged Competition was not being conducted in the VC and that his connection with the competition elected honorary secretary of the North Perth- returned soldiers to undergo free medical premises but entirely away from them. had not been definitely established were perhaps Mt Lawley sub-branch of the RSL. For Anzac Day examinations as they may be entitled to pensions reasons for leniency being shown to him, but in 1924 he spoke at Inglewood State School. On and told them that the tests were in the best 3. The State Secretary from time to time why was J N O’Neil (the chief circumstance in 22 July 1924 he visited Balingup on behalf of the interests of the soldiers and their dependants. accepted McCarthy’s assurances to this the affair) allowed to resign? It was a scandal. State executive of the RSL to inquire principally effect and neither the State Secretary nor the What remained were: an illegal competition was into late soldier settlement affairs, and attended State Executive had any evidence or definite conducted, it was conducted on the RSL premises, a large social function to welcome him. His visit knowledge to the contrary until O’Neill’s press and it was a “cheeky and impudent ramp. It isn’t did much to dispel the dissatisfaction created by Chapter 6 The Diggers’ tipping statement on 15 November 1926. good enough. It has been badly bungled from first the recent inspection of the Soldier Settlement competition - The dispute between to last”. Inquiry committee of the RSL. On 6 March 1925 he Mccarthy and The RSL WA Branch, It was then resolved that the report be received attended a large meeting of the Liberty League and that a copy be sent to McCarthy. There McCarthy was unemployed, and he was “under of Western Australia at His Majesty’s Theatre in and its aftermath was a resolution that a vote of appreciation be a cloud” because “people don’t know who got opposition to the proposed Prohibition of alcohol. Towards the end of 1926, events occurred placed on the record of the manner in which the money”. McCarthy was one of 26 VCs who He moved the vote of thanks to the chairman of the which changed the rest of their lives for McCarthy the Enquiry Committee dealt with the Diggers took part in the 25 April 1927 Anzac Day march in meeting. On 14 March 1925 a very large group of and Polly. For several months, RSL member Tipping Competition, and that each member Melbourne. McCarthy was offered and accepted a

6 7 1. 2. 5. 6.

McCarthy’s mother, Ann McCarthy, nee Sherry, McCarthy’s younger brother McCarthy and nephew Reginald John McCarthy in Son Lawrence Junior and McCarthy’s wife who died in 1896 aged 28. John Edward McCarthy (father of Reginald John) Melbourne 1942. (McCarthy’s inscription on the back: Polly at their roof-top flat, Melbourne, c.1945. Photo courtesy Reg McCarthy. in 1911 aged 17. “What a pity you are cut off. The fat boy could have Photo courtesy Reg McCarthy. Photo courtesy Reg McCarthy. easily been the one to have been cut!!!”) Photo courtesy Reg McCarthy.

3. 4. 7. 8.

Lawrence Dominic McCarthy VC, c.1919 Lawrence Dominic McCarthy VC, December 1918. McCarthy arriving at Clontarf Orphanage on a McCarthy (left) with two of his three brothers, Photo courtesy Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Photo courtesy Australian War Memorial, Canberra, visit in 1956. Patrick and James. AWM- P01383.016 AWM P02939.036 Photo courtesy Janice Shortland. Photo courtesy Reg McCarthy.

8 9 9. 13. 14.

10.

Winifred and Reginald John McCarthy and McCarthy’s first cousin once-removed Mildred T Millar 2011. Photo by Rob O’Connor. McCarthy’s widow Florence Minnie (“Polly”) Andrew and McCarthy’s grandniece Marjorie Ida Cruse (nee Thackrah) on her McCarthy who died in 1996 aged 103. Janice Shortland 2012. wedding day 1940. Photo courtesy Odna Borlaug. Photo by Rob O’Connor. Photo courtesy David Cruse and Judith Corbett.

11. 12.

15. 16.

Marjorie Ida Cruse with her son David and her David Cruse with the plaque erected by daughter Judith (now Corbett). Dr Ross Bastiaan AM, RFD on the wall of the Photo courtesy David Cruse and Judith Corbett. Vermandovillers Town Hall, 2012. Photo courtesy David Cruse. Dr Ross Jan Bastiaan AM, RFD. McCarthy’s grandnephew Warren McCarthy 2012. Photo courtesy Ross Bastiaan. Photo by Rob O’Connor.

10 11 job while on that trip to Melbourne. He and Polly first-dayers made a landing in a large Turkish In January 1951, Nancy and Jan’s son Ross Jan was Hospital, Heidelberg, Melbourne. His funeral with decided to move to Melbourne. The Sunday Times lifeboat at dawn at Anzac Cove and returned to born, and became like a grandson to McCarthy. Ross full military honours was held at the Anglican of 22 May 1927 reported that McCarthy, Polly and their ship at 5.55 am. There were later activities on called him “Uncle Dom”. McCarthy took a very close Wycliff Church, Surrey Hills, Melbourne, and he was Lawrence junior had departed WA for Victoria the land on the Gallipoli peninsula for the rest of the interest in young Ross; they met at least every four cremated at Springvale Crematorium. previous evening. McCarthy was aged 35. day. The next day, 26 April 1965, some old soldiers, weeks. Meetings in the building where McCarthy The Military Notes of the Daily News of 14 McCarthy VC (aged 73) and Ruthven VC among lived did not take place in the rooftop flat but at a The Lawrence McCarthy Ward at Hollywood Private December 1927 reported that McCarthy had been them, were too tired and drained after the events of ground floor area of the building. Polly was jealous Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, and streets transferred to the 59th Battalion in Victoria as Anzac Day to leave the ship at all that day. of Nancy and disliked her. McCarthy loved Nancy, in Canberra (ACT) and Merriwa (WA) have been from 29 October 1927. but always in a respectful and distant manner. named in his honour. His medals, including his McCarthy and Polly’s only child, Lawrence Norville Victoria Cross, are on display at the Australian War McCarthy, was a warehouseman/clerk before McCarthy accompanied Nancy to Wesley College Memorial, Canberra, which also holds his portrait by enlisting for World War II at Seymour, Victoria at age when they wanted to have Ross enrolled at Charles Wheeler. A plaque in his honour is installed Chapter 7 Life after moving to 20 on 3 August 1941. Very sadly, Lawrence junior Wesley College where Lawrence junior had been at the Flame of Remembrance, Kings Park, Perth. Melbourne was killed in action on 20 May 1945, aged 24, near educated, and they were successful in persuading the end of World War II, while on active service in the Headmaster Dr Coates to admit Ross as a new His widow Polly died at Aaron Private Nursing In Melbourne, McCarthy first worked as a Bougainville. His rank was Sergeant. McCarthy later student at Wesley. McCarthy helped finance Ross’s Home, Hughesdale in Melbourne on 15 April 1996 commercial traveller for Sunshine Harvester Works, told grandniece Janice Shortland: “World War I made education at Wesley, gave him gifts and assisted aged 103 years, 10 months. mostly in the Mallee. In 1934 he lost that job due me. World War II killed me.” Polly never forgave Ross in other ways. McCarthy inspired a great to the Depression. He had trouble gaining further McCarthy because he had insisted that Lawrence interest in military history in Ross who has been There is no probate file for McCarthy at the employment. After a series of odd-jobs, from 1935 junior become a machine-gunner, McCarthy’s Deputy Chairman of the Australian War Memorial, Victorian Probate Office, meaning that he did not he worked for 34 years with Trustees, Executors & view being that being a machine-gunner was a Canberra since 2003, was Guide for Prime have any assets to bequeath when he died. There is Agents Co at 401 Collins Street, Melbourne. He was much safer position in the 2/24th than being an Minister John Howard on his trip to Gallipoli and therefore no record of a Will. described as the building superintendent, but he infantryman at the front. That was true in World War the Somme in 2000, and Guide to the Victorian was really a caretaker for the building. He and his I, but in World War II in the jungle the Japanese were Premier Steve Bracks on his trip to Japan and On Polly’s death in 1996, probate was granted for wife made morning teas for the staff and clients instructed to destroy the machine-gunners which Singapore in 2006. Ross has published Guide to her estate at the value of $236,062, which equates and lived in a flat on the roof of the company’s made that position very dangerous. This is confirmed the Gallipoli Battlefields. He has been honoured to $351,631 in today’s currency value. Her estate building at 401 Collins Street, where they also had by the fact that on that day machine-gunner with a Member of the Order of Australia award consisted of 12 bonds to the value of $116,811, bank a small rooftop garden. Lawrence junior was one of only two people killed for installing commemorative plaques containing accounts to the value of $56,292, and insurance on Bougainville. It seems from reliable information sculptures, created by himself, at over 200 sites policies $62,959. McCarthy and Polly travelled to London in 1956 that I have been given that, unfortunately, McCarthy around the world where McCarthy served in for the celebrations marking the centenary of and Polly did not have a happy married life together, World War I and where Australian troops have In her Will (made 12 years earlier), Polly left the introduction of the Victoria Cross. At a Royal especially after Lawrence junior’s death. McCarthy fought. The plaque which Ross has installed at McCarthy’s miniature war medals (including reception, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, was never too generous in his comments about Vermandovillers Town Hall states as follows (in VC) to Michael Hawker, whom I understand was noticed that McCarthy VC was also the recipient Polly. Having married a VC, Polly had risen above both English and French): “In memory of Lieut the son of a friend. Three years later, Hawker of the Croix de Guerre and quipped: “I believe her station in life. McCarthy had no airs and graces, . Lawrence Dominic McCarthy VC, C deG (1892 sold them through auction by Sotheby’s in that was awarded for protecting French virgins”. but Polly adopted them; McCarthy often complained – 1975), 16th Battalion, AIF. Here on 23 August Melbourne. Lot 342 of the auction catalogue McCarthy replied: “I don’t know, Sir, we didn’t of Polly’s haughty behaviour. Although clearly fond 1918, he single-handedly captured 460 metres of for 10 May 1999 consisted of four components: find any!” of women, McCarthy apparently had a love-less German trench line at the western edge of Bois a (1) miniature decorations and medals (Victoria marriage. However, being of “the old school”, he Fame (Famous Wood), 5 machine guns and over Cross, 1914-15 Star, BWM and Victory Medal, He and Polly visited the spot near Madame Wood stayed married, even though there was no 50 prisoners. For this conspicuous bravery initiative George VI Coronation Medal 1937, Queen Elizabeth where he earned his VC. In a postcard dated 1 emotional union. and leadership he was awarded the Victoria Cross Coronation Medal 1953, Croix de Guerre with Palme August 1956 sent to his brother he said: “Poll got and the Croix de Guerre. Erected 23 August en Bronze, mounted for wearing); (2) a personal a big thrill as she inspected the exact spot where 1993 as a mark of gratitude for the goals & values scrapbook put together by Polly consisting of a I got the VC also the Croix de Guerre. 200 yards he gave to my life (Ross J Bastiaan, Melbourne, typed manuscript by McCarthy titled “They Landed from the VC spot there is a German Cemetery with Chapter 8 Dr Ross Jan Bastiaan AM, RFD Australia).” At Dawn” describing his Gallipoli experiences, 60,000 dead German. We took snaps of the spots, family photographs and other VC-related material but not of the German Cemetery. They wanted to There is a touch of romanticism in the next part (The fact that McCarthy also killed 20 Germans including a dinner menu signed by 15 VC winners snap me there but I thought not. It’s enough to of the McCarthy story. At the time of his death was deliberately omitted so as to avoid possible including McCarthy; (4) Gallipoli Medal (inscribed ponder without gloating. Love Lawrence”. in 1945, Lawrence junior was engaged to Nancy. future damage to the plaque by any Germans.) L D McCarthy) in its original box of issue; and (4) a Through their shared grief at the loss of Lawrence photograph album belonging to McCarthy dating McCarthy also returned to Gallipoli in 1965 to mark junior, McCarthy VC and Nancy remained in from around 1918 with some photos captioned. the 50th anniversary of that campaign. He and Polly contact. Nancy never recovered from Lawrence The catalogue put an estimated value of $2,000 were in a party of 300 pilgrims, including 71 original junior’s death, and always regarded McCarthy as Chapter 9 Deaths and probate - $3,000 on the Lot. The sale price achieved was “first-day” Anzacs from Australia and 22 from New her life-long connection to Lawrence junior, the $4,370, which in today’s currency is $6,345. The Zealand. They were accompanied by Professor Ken only man she ever deeply loved , but had lost. On his retirement in 1969 at age 77, McCarthy vendor told the Herald Sun (12 May 1999) that Inglis of the Australian National University who Nancy suffered a deep hurt, as did many in those and Polly left their City flat, moved to a suburban he would take “a journey to visit the Dardanelles wrote a diary of the trip which has been published. very sad war-time days. In 1947, Nancy married house for a short period, and then lived in a small and the French battlefield where the man I was The pilgrimage was devised and run by the RSL. Mr Jan Bastiaan, a very fine man, but it was on semi-detached house in suburban Melbourne at proud to call Uncle Mac performed the deed that It seems that McCarthy and his close friend Bill the rebound when Nancy had to make a new life Mont Albert. won him the Victoria Cross”. The vendor added: “I Ruthven were the only two VCs on that pilgrimage. for herself. (Nancy died in 1997 at age 73, and Jan believe a responsible collector or historian will be The activities on 25 April 1965 commenced with died in 2007 aged 86. They were married for 50 After three weeks’ hospitalisation, McCarthy died better equipped to safeguard McCarthy’s legacy”. coffee on the pilgrimage ship at 4 am. The 93 years.) on 25 May 1975, aged 83, at Repatriation General Sotheby’s managing director told the newspaper

12 13 that the material “went to a private collector and, it Miniature: left by Polly to Michael Hawker and sold (I tried to obtain the file of McCarthy’s father who he had a plate inserted in his stomach as a result appears, in the very best of hands.” by him at auction to the private collector. died at the Claremont Mental Hospital in 1918, but, of his being wounded. On one occasion when 94 years after his death, it no longer exists.) Janice was young, McCarthy’s visit co-incided Dr Ross Bastiaan and grand-niece Janice Shortland Second Croix de Guerre (Madame Wood, 23 with Janice suffering from mumps and being both told me that they did not become aware of the August 1918) – given by McCarthy to Ross Bastiaan. I am very pleased to say that I did not come quarantined in her bed. Despite this, McCarthy material coming up for auction until after the auction across any indication of mental instability or was still prepared to go into her bedroom to had been held and that they “would have paid violence by McCarthy after he returned from the spend some time talking to her. He left for a anything” to be the successful bidder. War. In fact, he always displayed a gentle nature. while and returned soon afterwards with sweets, Chapter 11 Personal side comics, etc for Janice which he had purchased (Incidentally, in my opinion, on a strict reading McCarthy dropped his Catholic religion. from the local store. of Polly’s Will, Michael Hawker was not entitled First and foremost there is no doubt that McCarthy Lawrence junior was shown on his enlistment to Polly’s personal scrapbook consisting of was an extremely brave man, as evidenced by the papers as Church of England religion. McCarthy Janice and her four sisters wished that McCarthy McCarthy’s typed manuscript on Gallipoli and citation for his Victoria Cross, his two Croix de attended The Independent Church, Collins Street, was their grandfather rather than their great- other memorabilia, McCarthy’s inscribed Gallipoli Guerre, one of which was the very rare avec palme, Melbourne. uncle, and were disappointed for him that he did Medal, and McCarthy’s photograph album. Clause and his two mentions in despatches. You will recall not have any children (Lawrence junior having 2 (c) of the Will left him only “my miniature war that when McCarthy returned to Mt Helena in 1920, All people who knew McCarthy remember him as died in 1945). Janice describes McCarthy as “a medals including the Victoria Cross”. In my opinion, Lt. Ryan said at a Welcome Home reception that , jolly and good fun, and someone who smiled a lot. wonderful, wonderful man, the best thing since the other items should have gone to the residuary although he did not see McCarthy win the VC he got, sliced bread”. beneficiaries. Perhaps they were not interested in he saw him win a dozen others he did not get. When McCarthy commenced employment with the these items and told Michael Hawker that, since he RSL, The Listening Post of 18 January 1924 reported Janice spent a year in Melbourne in the 1960s had been left the miniature war medals, he could He was also very patriotic towards Australia, as follows: ”No better or more popular choice could and mixed with McCarthy and Polly many times have the other war-related items also.) as evidenced by the representations he made have been found to fill the recent vacancy existing and attended some city shows with McCarthy. to Acting Premier Angwin in 1924 as to why in the League Employment Office than the genial On one occasion, McCarthy took Janice and two Returning to Polly’s Will, Polly left her jewellery and returned servicemen should be allowed to visit “Fat” McCarthy, our super VC. “Fat” is bubbling of her girlfriends to the touring Black and White $6,000 to a lady in England. The jewellery included a schools and talk to assemblies of students just over with feelings of good fellowship, and a bright Minstrel Show. She also remembers walking along replica of gold Victoria Cross medal with gold chain. before Anzac Day to explain what the returned and cheerful personality is as good as a tonic to a Collins Street with McCarthy and coming across a Polly left $2,000 to another beneficiary. Interestingly, servicemen had done and why Anzac Day should nerve-wracked soul.” young bare-footed boy selling newspapers at the the miniature medals and other memorabilia left to be commemorated, and by his speeches to the intersection with Elizabeth Street. McCarthy said Michael Hawker and the jewellery left to the English boys at Clontarf. The Listening Post of 19 November 1926 reported to him: “Where are your shoes, boy?” to which lady were not attributed any value in the Schedule on humorous moments at that year’s RSL the lad replied: “I only have one pair of shoes, and of Assets and Liabilities in the probate papers. The War is a very deadly and serious business. Congress including the following: “McCarthy VC my mother won’t let me wear them while I sell residue of Polly’s estate ($228,062) was left to McCarthy gave it his all and at times became a very found himself, at one stage, the only delegate papers”. McCarthy took out his wallet, gave the friends Alan Basil Dwyer and his wife Carmel Dwyer. violent soldier. I have been told by a Perth military supporting a motion after calling for a show of boy some money from it and told him to go to historian that a soldier serving with McCarthy, Pte hands. “Fat’s” remark, “an absolute minority of the nearby shoe shop to buy himself some shoes Alfred Frederick Lawrence DCM, had said to the one”, is typical of his sense of humour”. and that he and Janice would mind and sell his historian: “That Fats McCarthy was a madman”. newspapers until he returned. Off went the boy Chapter 10 Disposition of medals Lawrence DCM and McCarthy had witnessed Nephew Reg McCarthy remembers visiting and came back shortly thereafter, proudly wearing another Australian soldier bringing in two German Lawrence and Polly when Reg was stationed at his new pair of shoes. Such was the generosity of It seems that McCarthy’s main medals were prisoners. McCarthy asked the soldier what he Cape Otway, Apollo Bay with the Royal Australian McCarthy. disposed of as follows: was doing. The soldier said that he was bringing Air Force in 1942. Reg stayed with McCarthy and in two prisoners. McCarthy yelled back to the Polly overnight on two occasions. There is a photo Janice’s husband Andy met McCarthy while Victoria Cross: Original donated by Polly to the soldier: “No, you’re (expletive) not!! “McCarthy of McCarthy and Reg walking in Collins Street. In doing National Service in Melbourne, and found Australian War Memorial, Canberra. McCarthy had then shot dead the two prisoners. A staff member it, it can be seen that McCarthy’s fingers of his left McCarthy to be “brilliant” and “exceptional”. five nephews and Polly felt that she could not at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra told hand are missing. Reg also mixed with McCarthy select just one of them to give it to. She considered Ross Bastiaan that, during the latter part of the and Polly when they made visits to Perth from Another grand-niece Susan McCarthy, Janice’s that, as his country had awarded it to him, she War, McCarthy was mentally unbalanced, there Melbourne. sister, also has very loving memories. She said that should give it back to his country, and at the were concerns about his mental state, he was McCarthy sailed from Melbourne to Perth rather Australian War Memorial it could be seen by all five “running berserk”, and was pulled from the front Grand-niece Janice Shortland very fondly recalls than coming by plane. She remembers as a girl nephews and the public. line. McCarthy was reprimanded on a number of that whenever McCarthy visited her family in going to Fremantle with her family to welcome occasions for killing prisoners. Ross Bastiaan said Perth from Melbourne, he always brought many his arrival by ship. McCarthy presented Susan’s One miniature Victoria Cross: given by McCarthy to that the Australian War Memorial was aware of small gifts of sweets, rings, bangles and trinkets mother Irene with a huge plastic bag of sweets for Ross Bastiaan’s mother Nancy, and now held by Ross. this story told to me by the Perth military historian for them. She still has affixed to its inscribed Susan and her four sisters. and Ross Bastiaan himself heard the story about presentation card a brooch ( a “Fashionable Second miniature Victoria Cross: left in Polly’s Will four years ago. Ross Bastiaan suspects that four Ornament”) given to her by McCarthy (“Dear Grand-nephew Warren McCarthy has fond to Michael Hawker and sold by him at auction to a years of killing by McCarthy was too much for him, Janice For you with Love. Hope it suits your memories of fun visits to the Clontarf Fair with private collector. and that it could destroy any man’s soul. You will taste.”). Janice inherited from her mother Irene McCarthy on McCarthy’s visits back to Perth; also remember that the heroic actions carried out McCarthy a memorabilia item given to Irene by McCarthy used to run the “Under and Over 7” First Croix de Guerre avec palme (Beaumetz, by McCarthy at the time when he earned his VC McCarthy which bears the signatures of 15 VC games-table at the fair. When business was not 3 November 1917): at Australian War Memorial, were only brought to an end when the Germans recipients including McCarthy. Janice recalls that brisk, McCarthy would give Warren a handful Canberra, probably donated by Polly at the same surrendered to him and took his revolver off him McCarthy used to invite the children to punch him of florins from the leather money bag attached time as the VC. because they wanted to stop him killing any more in his fat rock-solid stomach. The punch would around his waist and tell him to go around the of them. produce a wooden sound; she wonders whether other side of the gambling table, put some of

14 15 the coins on the board game and make a lot of him greatly. That says more about him than all the lessons. How McCarthy knew of Marjorie’s birth and man, a Victoria Cross recipient. These plans also exciting noises as if he had just had a big win after deeds and importance he had to this country.” later development, no one now knows. McCarthy had to be discarded when the pathology company playing a game, so as to attract other players. and Marjorie never had any contact with each advised that DNA testing of a male nephew Unprompted, Warren told me that McCarthy Another indication of McCarthy’s generosity is other throughout their whole lives. I do not know (Reg) with males (David and Tim) descended has been a big hero and inspiration in his own contained in a letter he wrote to his brother Ted whether Polly knew of the existence of Marjorie. from a female daughter (Marjorie) of the male life. Warren told me that, throughout his life, (Reg’s father) on 3 June 1960. He referred to their subject (McCarthy) would not be able to provide whenever he is faced with a difficult decision or brother Jim who, through alcohol, had “abused his Mabel never admitted to Marjorie that Mabel was conclusive proof of a family connection. The family ugly situation, he asks himself: ”What would Uncle life and health over many years and one cannot her true mother, always maintaining that Marjorie connection therefore remains scientifically and Lawrie do in this situation?” and he then acts have it both ways”. He said he hoped and it would was her sister. This was a cause of sadness for legally unproven. accordingly, whatever the consequences. be best if Jim stayed living in a Home, and added: Marjorie from the time of her first learning from “I will continue to send you a little extra for him”. Mollie that McCarthy was her father until the end I have been given some photographs of Marjorie. Warren also made the following comments to me: of her life in 1991.Throughout her life, Marjorie felt In my respectful opinion, Marjorie bears a “McCarthy VC was a hero and did what he did that she was having to live a lie as to who her true resemblance to McCarthy. because that was the type of person he was. I parents were. have often given thought to the old argument of Chapter 12 Possible descendants I have been told by one of the McCarthy family that people doing things because of Nature or Nurture. Judith Corbett’s brother, David Cruse, Marjorie’s Irene and Thelma, two of McCarthy’s sisters-in-law, In McCarthy VC’s case, I believe it was a mixture of Last December I placed a notice in the Can You son, also gave me information about this matter. were most probably aware of McCarthy having both. His particular character was a combination Help? section of The West Australian seeking David told me that, on his 21st birthday in October fathered another child , but that McCarthy was of his Irish blood, his harsh upbringing, his fierce further information about McCarthy to assist me 1963, his mother Marjorie told him it was time to reluctant to discuss with later generations this period McCarthy individualism (still current in today’s in the preparation for this lecture this evening. I tell him what till then had been a secret, ie. that of his life, giving the impression that he was keeping generation) and his “Do it because it has to be had 25 responses, some of which have given me she was born illegitimate and that her biological something secret. McCarthy also did not discuss his done” attitude within his McCarthy genes.” information in a completely different area. father was McCarthy who had been awarded a Western Australian life with Ross Bastiaan. Victoria Cross in World War I. On being told that Odna Borlaug knew Lawrence and Polly when Mrs Judith Corbett told me that in 1914 McCarthy McCarthy lived in Melbourne, David immediately The relevance of this part of the McCarthy Odna was a teenager in Melbourne and Polly was and her grandmother Mabel Thackrah were in said to Marjorie that he wanted to go to Melbourne story is that when Lawrence junior was killed in a good friend of her grandmother. Odna found love. Mabel became pregnant. McCarthy went to to meet his hero grandfather. However, Marjorie Bougainville in 1945, it was thought that there Polly a likeable person and has given me a copy of Mabel’s father Albert Louis Thackrah and sought told David not to do that, as McCarthy was married were then no descendants of McCarthy. However, a photo of Polly. his approval to marry Mabel. Thackrah refused, and had his own life to live, and that David could if Marjorie in fact was the daughter of McCarthy, saying that McCarthy was a Catholic, the Thackrahs not make any contact with McCarthy. Respecting then there are currently 11 living direct descendants Dr Ross Bastiaan told me that McCarthy loved were Protestants, and that no Thackrah would his mother’s wishes, David did not ever make any of McCarthy who have his blood coursing through placing a bet on the horses and followed the ever marry a Catholic. Judith Corbett said that contact with McCarthy, although David has many their veins, as follows: racing game very closely as a very regular McCarthy was devastated, enlisted in the AIF (in times wished that he did so before McCarthy died gambler. McCarthy often had the newspaper September 1914), and went off overseas to the War, in 1975. David confirmed all that his sister Judith Grandson: David Anthony Thackrah Cruse. racing form guide in his hands. He rated not caring whether he lived or died, and did all the had told me, including that there had never been McCarthy’s gambling as his greatest joy in life as brave deeds which he did. any contact between McCarthy and Marjorie. Granddaughter: Judith Kevina Corbett (nee Cruse). he loved a regular flutter. On the few occasions when the bets were successful, Ross always got Judith’s mother Marjorie Ida was born on David’s son Timothy Cruse, a well-known Great-grandson: Timothy Peter Cruse. a dividend! McCarthy was a generous man to the 11 February 1915, which means that she was stockbroker in Kalgoorlie, also phoned me about end. He helped pay Ross’s education expenses conceived in May 1914 and that Mabel was 4 this matter. Tim has taken a keen interest in his Great-granddaughters: Chelsea Jackson (nee at Wesley College, Melbourne. He rarely said months pregnant when McCarthy enlisted. Mabel’s great-grandfather McCarthy for several years. Tim Cruse) and Angela Margaret Corbett. anything negative in all the years McCarthy and parents already had 10 children and Marjorie was told me that, years earlier, he and his father David Ross met every few weeks. He always wore a treated as their 11th child, ie. she was brought up had given consideration to making an application Great-great-grandsons: Maxwell Lawrence Cruse, collar and tie and a double-breasted suit to hide believing that her grandparents were her parents to the Supreme Court of Victoria for approval Daniel John Cruse, Finn Jackson and Jasper Sky his ample girth. He was always fat, and would eat and also believing that Mabel was her oldest sister. for the exhumation of McCarthy’s body for the Jackson. too much at lunch. He did not smoke and rarely To all the world outside the Thackrah family, that purpose of carrying out DNA tests to establish drank. was also the position. the biological lineage between McCarthy and Great-great-granddaughters: Rosie Ayazma Cruse David and Tim. However those plans had to be Jackson and Amelia Corbett Rouse. Ross Bastiaan was aged 24 when McCarthy died. Marjorie did not learn of her true parentage until, abandoned when they learned that McCarthy had His memories of McCarthy include the following: in her late teens, she tried to commence nursing been cremated and DNA testing was impossible David and Tim Cruse toured some war battle-fields “To my child-like eyes, he was larger than life. training at Graylands Hospital. She was required (unless something such as McCarthy’s Army in France in April-May this year and visited the He was a simple, poorly educated man, who was to produce her birth certificate, but could not do uniform tunic turns up and carries a hair from scene at Madame Wood where McCarthy earned elevated to national importance by events. He so, as her birth had never been registered. Marjorie McCarthy’s head). his Victoria Cross and one of his Croix de Guerre. did his best to represent the values of the unique discussed the situation with her youngest “sister” band of decorated men he was part of. Often he who told her what had happened and that her true Early this year, consideration was given to having After deliberating, I decided to mention the claim would make a grammatical error. Often when he father was McCarthy who had been awarded a DNA tests on McCarthy’s nephew Reg McCarthy of the Cruses that Marjorie was the daughter of spoke in public he had the same lines and turns Victoria Cross. Marjorie had attended school until and David and Tim Cruse. To his very great credit, McCarthy for the following reasons. Both the of phrase. I also knew Weary Dunlop well and saw she was 15 or 16, instead of the usual 13, and had Reg agreed to participate, his view being that senior representative of the McCarthy family (Reg that in him too. McCarthy could not have risen to also had singing lessons. She thought this was whatever is the truth is the truth, the Cruses are McCarthy) and the Cruse family members (David, the heights of the better educated classes who because she was “special”. Judith told me that entitled to establish the truth, and if the connection Judith and Tim) were agreeable to my doing so. controlled much of the Australia of the day, but he the real reason was that McCarthy sent money could be proved, the Cruses should be allowed Illegitimacy is not the taboo subject that it was was a dignified Australian and proud of what he (presumably to Mabel’s father) to enable Marjorie to have the satisfaction of knowing and being in earlier generations. The events took place as did. I was ALWAYS happy in his company and loved to stay at school longer and to have singing recognised as having descended from this great long as 98 years ago. It is also wondered what the

16 17 motivation was for McCarthy to show so much more important street in York after him? The short Sources, references, and further reading: gallantry and valour. The refusal of Thackrah to street which runs up to the War Memorial where allow Mabel and McCarthy to marry could well have there is a McCarthy plaque and which goes past The Age (newspaper), Melbourne, 26 January 2006, Ross Bastiaan AM, by Carolyn Webb. been the motivation to McCarthy to enlist in the St Patrick’s Church where McCarthy was baptised, The Argus (newspaper), Melbourne, 12 March 1920; 30 March 1920. AIF and to go off to the War, not caring whether he carries the innocuous name “South Street”; why Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 10, Melbourne University Press, pages 219/20, Lawrence lived or died and why he did such brave deeds, as not re-name the part of South Street this side of Dominic McCarthy (author: W H Connell). claimed by Judith Corbett in her first conversation Avon Terrace “Lawrence McCarthy VC Drive”? Australian Electoral Rolls 1925, Nos. 3589 and 3594. with me. You will recall McCarthy’s postcard from Perhaps the Shire could set up a McCarthy VC Australian War Memorial, Canberra, ACT, CD Interview of McCarthy VC by Ross Bastiaan 1965, Egypt: “Very anxious to see action. Hope to make Committee to consider ways to promote and PO#:6165794, ID#:S03037. a name for myself or stay there.” I also believe that, honour the memory of McCarthy VC. Australian War Memorial, Canberra, ACT. Wallet containing postcards sent to family members by if the claims by the Cruse family are true, then the McCarthy from Egypt, France, England and Ireland 1915-1919 and from France and England in 1956, Cruses are entitled to have their blood relationship For tourism purposes, York is advertised as “WA’s Identity no. PR88/191. to McCarthy recognised. As to the reputation of most historic inland town”. Why cannot it also be Bastiaan, Dr Ross Jan AM, RFD, Merricks North, Victoria, telephone interview, 27 March 2011. McCarthy, he deserves credit for seeking approval described as “the birthplace of Lawrence Dominic Bastiaan, Dr Ross Jan AM, RFD, letter to me, 4 April 2011 and emails of 16 and 17 April 2011, 26 June 2012 from Thackrah to marry Mabel, and for sending McCarthy, Super –VC”? Two booklets obtained and 15 October 2012. money to assist in the upbringing of Marjorie. from the York Tourist Centre at the Town Hall, “York Bean, Dr Charles E W, Official History of Australia in the War of 1914 - 1918, Volume VI, pages 742/3. Heritage Walk Trails” (42 pages) and “York – WA’s Bean, Dr Charles E W, Anzac to Amiens, 1946. First Inland Town” (20 pages), do not mention Borlaug, Odna, telephone interview, January 2012. McCarthy or his memorials at the War Memorial or The Cambrai Chronicle, circa July 2002, page 14, “Streets of Valour – McCarthy Cove”, by Des Wright. Chapter 13 Need for greater the RSL Club. Copies of his life history should be Carlyon, Les, The Great War, Macmillan, Sydney 2006, pages 675/6. recognition available at York Tourist Centre and the RSL Club. Catholic Archdiocesan Archives, Highgate, WA, Archivist Sister Frances Stibi PBVM, Certificate of Baptism, Reference YOR 3:338. McCarthy VC was a true hero and a true legend. Dr Ross Bastiaan told me that, to acknowledge Christian Brothers Holy Spirit Province Archives, Salter Point, WA, Archivist Karen Vann. A plaque in honour of McCarthy is installed at the York as the birthplace of McCarthy, he could Commonwealth Gazette, 23 May 1919, McCarthy VC. York War Memorial. Dr Mike Galvin, Steve Clitheroe make, for display in York, a plaque containing a Corbett, Judith, telephone and email communications, December 2011 to October 2012, meeting former RSL President, and Dave Wood former RSL sculpture of McCarthy jumping into the German 28 January 2012. Secretary are to be applauded for what they have trench during his VC-earning deeds. It would be Cruse, David, telephone and email communications, December 2011 to October 2012, meeting 28 January done at the RSL Club site: the Lt L D McCarthy a decision by the Shire of York whether to accept 2012 and other dates. VC Club has been incorporated, there is a wall this offer and as to where the plaque containing Cruse, Timothy, telephone and email communications, December 2011 to January 2012, meeting display featuring a portrait of McCarthy painted the sculpture should be located. My preference 28 January 2012. in oils by a Chinese artist (based on the portrait would be for it to be affixed to the exterior wall Daily News, 28 February 1920; 25 September 1920; 25 April 1924; 14 March 1925; 24 April 1925; by Charles Wheeler) which was commissioned of the York Town Hall where it could be seen by 14 December 1927. and framed at the expense of Dr Galvin, a set of most visitors to York. I have put suggestions to Elliott, Dr Ian, Mundaring, A History of the Shire, chapter on Mt Helena. replicas of McCarthy’s medals was paid for and the Shire of York, but as yet, because of financial Galvin, Dr George Michael, RFD, Swanbourne, WA, Address to RSL York Sub-branch, 25 April 2007. provided by Dr Galvin, who also provided a framed constraints, a decision to enter into an agreement Galvin, Dr George Michael , RFD, Swanbourne, WA, interview, 11 April 2011; emails of 16 April 2011 and copy of McCarthy’s commission as an officer, a with Dr Bastiaan has not yet been taken. The Shire 26 June 2012. framed photo of McCarthy, and the citation giving has resolved to contribute $2,500 to a portrait Gibbs-Hooper, Shezanne, “A humble hero who will never be forgotten”, 20 April 2007, an unpublished an account of his deeds which earned McCarthy of McCarthy as part of a travelling Centenary article presented as an assignment in Journalism III in an undergraduate degree course at Edith Cowan his VC. In addition, there is a McCarthy pavilion at of Anzac exhibition, which will lead to the Shire University; a copy is held at the RSL York Sub-branch. the RSL Club and a plaque installed in honour of receiving that portrait after the travelling exhibition Gibbs-Hooper, Shezanne, Gwelup WA, telephone interview, 6 April 2011. McCarthy. In February 2011 the Country Women’s concludes. Perhaps the plaque and sculpture could Gill, Ian, Bloody Angle Bullecourt & Beyond 16th Battalion AIF 1914-19, Perth WA, 2008, pages 45, 46, 85, Association in York established a group called be progressed if some funds could be obtained 86, 165, 180, 248-251, 295, and 327. McCarthy Belles. from the Commonwealth Government if further Google: Australian War Memorial – People profiles Lawrence Dominic ‘Fats‘ McCarthy VC. moneys are to be provided under the Centenary of Google, diggerhistory.info/pages-vc/mccarthy-vc.htm; “From Orphanage to Hero“ by K G Mortensen I would like to see greater prominence given to Anzac commemoration arrangements leading up (1963 and 1978). McCarthy and his very brave deeds, so that the to 2015. Google, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominic_McCarthy. legend and his fame become more widely known in Google, dbpedia.org/page/Dominic_McCarthy. York beyond the RSL Club and throughout Western Never forget the name Lawrence Dominic Google, Clontarf Aboriginal College WA – About Our College. Australia generally. Schoolchildren in York could McCarthy VC, and never forget his achievements Google, Care Leavers Australia Network – Homes & Orphanages Listing – Clontarf Boys Orphanage. be taught, and learn, about McCarthy. For example, at Madame Wood: 5 machine guns, 20 killed, 50 Google, www.currency-world.com/signedmenu.htm. the RSL, the Shire of York or the York Society could prisoners and 700 yards of enemy trench. We Google, trove.nla.gov.au/people/1467766?c=people, McCarthy, Lawrence Dominic (1892 – 1975). conduct a leadership award in McCarthy’s name, should all be agents for making more widely- Google, anzacday.org.au/education/medals/vc/details/mccarthy.html. or an essay competition in his name on a theme known the heroic actions of Western Australia’s Google, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croix_de_guerre. associated with McCarthy and/or Anzac Day, and York’s McCarthy Super-VC. Perhaps the best Google, Australian Bronze Commemorative Plaques (Dr Ross Bastiaan); see in particular, Plaques/ with a significant monetary prize, perhaps with form of recognition would follow from adoption of Chronological listing/ Plaque no. 91 McCarthy VC, at: www,plaques.satlink.com.au/list/Asian/Australia/ the financial assistance of a local York business the suggestion several people have made to me: mccarthy.htm. sponsor. that a full-length film or a television documentary Herald Sun (newspaper), Victoria, 10 and 12 May 1999. of his life should be made. Hooper, J Patrick, telephone interviews, 24 April 2011 to 29 May 2012; October 2012. There is a McCarthy Place in York; it runs off Hooper, Raymond, telephone interview, 14 October 2012. Newcastle Street on the other side of the Avon The Horsham Times (newspaper), Victoria, 16 March 1920. River. The Shire of York cannot now say whether Inglis, Ken, Gallipoli Pilgrimage 1965, No. 18, April 1991, Journal of the Australian War Memorial, page 20. it was named after Lawrence. Why not re-name a King, Jonathan, The Western Front Diaries, Simon & Schuster, Pymble, NSW, 2008, pages 503/6.

18 19 The Listening Post (newspaper),17 February 1922, 18 January 1924, 19 November 1926, April 2007, page 6, Portraits of Australian Veterans, Lawrence Dominic McCarthy VC. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Longmore, Captain C, The Old Sixteenth–Being a Record of the 16th Battalion, AIF, During the Great War, 1914-1918, Hesperian Press, Victoria Park, WA (2007 edition). McCarthy, Mrs Florence (wife), letter to Army Records, 22 June 1969 (in National Archives of Australia file). McCarthy, Lawrence Dominic, letter to John Edward McCarthy (brother), 18 September 1942, original held by Reginald John McCarthy. McCarthy, Lawrence Dominic, letter to John Edward and Ruby McCarthy, 3 June 1960, original held by Reginald John McCarthy. McCarthy, Reginald John (nephew), Northam WA, interview, 22 March 2011, and telephone interview, 26 June 2012, and various letters and telephone conversations. McCarthy, Samantha (great-grandniece), Glenbrook, NSW, letter to Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Woden ACT, January 1995. McCarthy, Susan, telephone interviews, February 2012 and 14 October 2012, and letter 21 February 2012. McCarthy, Warren, telephone interview December 2011, interview 11 January 2012, email 28 September 2012, and letter 16 October 2012. Maziuk, Gail, telephone interview, 29 May 2012. Maxwell, Marguerite, Koongamia, WA, transcribed extracts from The Swan Express, and telephone interview, 25 March 2011. Millar, Mildred Therese (first cousin, once-removed), Innaloo, WA, interview, 22 March 2011. The Mirror (newspaper), Perth WA, 4 December 1926; 22 January 1927. National Archives of Australia, Canberra, ACT, Service Records, Series Barcode 1935399 (33 pages), B2455, Lawrence Dominic McCarthy. National Archives of Australia, Canberra, ACT, Service Records, Army No. VX104484 (17 pages), Lawrence Norville McCarthy. Oakleigh-Springvale Times (newspaper), Melbourne, Victoria, 17 June 1992, Centenarian celebrates, by Natalie Filmer. Pedersen, Dr Peter, The Anzacs: Gallipoli to the Western Front, Viking-Penguin Books, 2007, pages 384/5. People (magazine), 4 July 1951, “The Super VC”, pages 10/11. Post Office Directories 1921 to 1927, especially 1926, page 519. Probate Records Office Victoria, Melbourne, Probate file of Florence Minnie McCarthy. The Register (newspaper), Adelaide, SA, 26 April 1924, page 11. Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Perth, Western Australia, Death certificate Ann McCarthy (mother), Registration No. York District 2062/1896, and Florence McCarthy (father), Registration No. Perth District 706/1918. Rob O’Connor QC is a retired barrister (with a He is currently a member of the Legal Practice Returned and Services League WA State Branch Constitution, 1926 (Rule 13). current practising certificate). He is a Fellow of CPA Board; the Board of the South Perth Hospital; the Returned and Services League, Western Australia, State Executive Minutes, 1926-27. Australia and graduated with Bachelor of Laws Advisory Board of the School of Business Law and Shire of York Council minutes, meeting 21 May 2012. (First Class Honours) from the Australian National Taxation at Curtin University; the management Shortland, Janice, telephone interview, December 2011, and interview with her and Andy Shortland, University, Canberra. He was an officer of the committees of the Friends of Battye Library, the 8 October 2012 Australian Taxation Office in Perth and Canberra Nelson Society of Australia and the WA Explorers Staunton, Anthony, Victoria Cross – Australia’s Finest and the Battles They Fought, pages 157/9. for 15 years, and then practised as a lawyer in Perth Diaries Project; the State Records Advisory Subiaco Boys’ Orphanage Admission Register 1888-1901 (Nos 1-124), numbers 48, 49 and 50 (later for 32 years, including 25 years at Francis Burt Committee; WACA Honorary Legal Counsel; Clontarf). Chambers specialising in Commonwealth WACA Code of Behaviour Commissioner; historical The Sunday Times (newspaper), Perth WA, 11 January 1925; 15 March 1925; 22 May 1927. and State taxation, 20 years of which were as a societies; an Officer of the Order of St Lazarus of Tennant, Brian G, telephone interviews and interview, December 2011 and January 2012. Queen’s Counsel. Jerusalem; and various community bodies. The Swan Express (newspaper), 11 May 1917, 20 December 1918, 3 January 1919, 10 January 1919, 21 February 1919, 21 March 1919, 16 May 1919, 28 November 1918, 30 January 1920, 20 February 1920, He is a past State President of CPA Australia; He is an affiliate member of Cottesloe RSL 27 February 1920, and 5 March 1920. past National Councillor, past State Chairman, Sub-branch and a member of the Military History University of Melbourne Heritage Society Newsletter, June 2010, page 3, “Honouring the Anzacs”. and an Honorary Life Member of the Tax Institute; Society of WA. The West Australian (newspaper), 21 February 1920; 2 March 1920; 12 March 1920; 5 July 1920; 26 July past member of the Tax Agents Board of WA; 1920; 7 February 1921; 12 February 1921; 23 April 1921; 24 March 1922; 16 January 1924; 18 March 1924; 22 past Deputy Chairman of the Government House His father Vernon O’Connor WX36123 served July 1924; 19 August 1924; 15 January 1925; 7 March 1925; 19 March 1925; 25 March 1925; 2 April 1925; 25 Foundation; past member of the Board of the from 1941 to 1945 with the 7th Australian Army April 1925; 27 April 1925; 31 July 1925; 3 October 1925; 12 November 1925; 17 November 1925; 2 December Constitutional Centre of WA; past member of the Troops Coy, Royal Australian Engineers, and the 1926; 6 January 1927; 17 September 1956; 11 November 2008, Remembrance Day Supplement, page 4, Board of the WACA; past President of the Rotary Australian Imperial Forces in the Solomon Islands “Western Australia’s Victoria Cross Heroes”. Club of Dalkeith; and past convenor of the UK (Bougainville). The Western Argus (newspaper), Kalgoorlie WA, 18 January 1921; 25 January 1927. study grants committee of the Australia-Britain The Western Mail (newspaper), Perth WA, 27 January 1927. Society. He has received Meritorious Service His interest in McCarthy VC arose from the fact Who’s Who in Australia 2011, Shivani Singh (Editor), Melbourne, Victoria, R J Bastiaan, pages 212/3. Awards from CPA Australia and the Rotary Club that he also was born at York and was baptised in Wigmore, Lionel, with Bruce Harding, 2nd edition revised and condensed by Jeff Williams and Anthony of Dalkeith. the same York church as McCarthy, and the lack Staunton, They Dared Mightily, Australian War Memorial, Canberra, pages 87/9. of general knowledge in WA of McCarthy and his brave deeds. He has been researching McCarthy for the past two years.

20 Robert K O’Connor QC 39A Karoo Street South Perth WA 6151

Phone: (08) 9367 9771 Email: [email protected]

9 November 2012