Private 955 Matthew Michael Mulcahy MiD CC
3rd Battalion AIF
By Robert Simpson
Matthew Michael Mulcahy was born on 23 January 1892 Murrumburrah, New South Wales, a son to Thomas Mulcahy and Catherine Dacey. He was one of five sons they had. Thomas had been born on 7 April 1854 in Boorowa, New South Wales and baptised on 14 August 1954 in Yass. His parents had come from Ireland, with his father being a convict. He married Catherine in Young on 12 October 1884. Catherine had been born on 8 June 1868 in Binalong, New South Wales. Thomas died on 10 May 1896 at Gundilyngal, New South Wales and is buried in Cootamundra General Cemetery. The Cootamundra Herald of Saturday 23 May 1896 in page 6 recorded ‘Death of Mr. T. Mulcahy.— News has reached us of the death at 11 o’clock on Wednesday night, at Springdale, of Thomas Mulcahy, son of one of our early pioneer settlers in the county of the Yeo Yeo creek. Deceased was about 40 years of age, and leaves a wife and five sons, the eldest being 11 years of age. He will be remembered as a stout built young man, but hydatids had lately reduced him to a mere skeleton. The funeral left Springdale at an early hour on Friday morning.’
In 1899 in Cootamundra, New South Wales, Catherine re-married to John Fredrick Ebinger (1857-1933), a German who migrated to Australia in 1881. On 18 February 1914 in the New South Wales Police Gazette, he reported a missing a ‘Silver hunting stop-watch No. 102183, “Stewart Dawson” on dial. (Since recovered).’ In 1924 he was listed in the Sands Directory as living at 23 Kalgoorlie Street Leichhardt. In the 1930 electoral roll, they were both listed as living at The Cottage, Cardigan Street Auburn, with Catherine doing home duties and John retired. He died on 28 August 1933 in Newtown, with his occupation listed as engineer in the Index to Deceased Estate Files. She died on 18 December 1949 in Camperdown, New South Wales and is buried in Rookwood Catholic Cemeteries and Crematoria in an unmarked grave in Sect. M2 Row 15 Plot 886.
Their first son was John Thomas Mulcahy (Jack), born on 17 August 1885 at Stockinbingal, New South Wales. He married Ethel Ester James (1887-1980) at Young, New South Wales in 1909. They had four children, including twins. In the 1943 electoral roll, the family was living at 56 Ivy Street in Sydney, with John a railway employee. He died on 9 September 1947 and is buried in Rookwood Catholic Cemeteries and Crematoria in R.C. Mortuary 2; Sect. 15 Plot 886, an unmarked grave with his mother. Ethel died on 15 February 1980 in New South Wales. William Felix Mulcahy was born on 15 September 1887 in Murrumburrah, New South Wales. In the 1913 electoral roll he was living at 44 Shepherd Street Chippendale, Sydney and he was a labourer. He enlisted on 28 November 1915 with the 4th Battalion as Private 6051. They embarked from Sydney on HMAT Wiltshire A18 on 22 August 1916. In the embarkation roll of 19th Reinforcements, 4th Infantry Battalion he was listed as a single 28-year-old foundry man, living in Galong NSW, with his next of kin listed as his mother at 58 Bind Street (actually Vine Street as noted on his service record) Redfern. His religion was Roman Catholic and he was paid 5 shillings a day. He was 28 years and 2 months old, was 5 foot 8 inches tall, weighed 168 pounds, had a chest measurement of 35 to 40 inches and was of dark complexion with hazel eyes and black going grey hair. His vision in both eyes was 6/9. After arriving in England, he was in trouble for going AWOL. During July 1917 he was detached for duty with Corps Workshops (3rd F. C. Engineers) and went on leave to England in August 1918. While there he contracted VD and remained there until he was sent home. In 1917 the battalion was mainly involved in fighting around Ypres. After moving to the Somme in 1918, they helped to stop the German spring offensive in March and April before being involved in the offensive east of Amiens on 8 August 1918, which was the greatest success in a single day on the Western Front. He returned to Australia on 21 December 1918. William was entitled to the British War and Victory medals. In the 1935 electoral roll he was living at 28 Albermarle Street Newtown, Sydney and was a labourer. By the 1954 roll he was living at 96 Denison Street North Sydney and was still a labourer. He died on 30 January 1955 and is buried in Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium. Owen Joseph (Owen Thomas?) Mulcahy was born on 10 November 1889 at Wallendbeen, New South Wales. He married Alice Hickey (1889-1964) in 1915 at Hornsby, New South Wales. They had five children. He died on 18 December 1926 at Temora, New South Wales and is buried in Temora Cemetery. Owen was recorded as being a carrier.
Their last child, Phillip Mulcahy was born on 12 May 1894 at Stockinbingal, New South Wales. The Grenfell Record and Lachlan District Advertiser of Friday 15 November 1912 in page 2 had ‘A shocking accident occurred on the Young show ground on Saturday afternoon last while some motor cyclists were doing time trials in preparation for the Eisteddfod sports. Amongst those on the track was Philip Mulcahey son of Mrs J. F. Ebinger of Young; he had attained a high speed when something went wrong with the machine and he attempted to apply the brakes; instead of doing this however, he increased the speed, and the machine dashed into the new hardwood fence encircling the track, striking a post in the fence, and lifting both post and rail out of the ground. The impact was said to have been terrific; Mulcahey’s left leg struck the post, and he received a compound fracture above the knee. It was stated that a piece of the bone was found firmly imbedded in the post, but this is ridiculed by the medical attendant, who stated that the piece of bone shown him was a piece of decayed substance. Besides the broken leg, the unfortunate man received injuries and bruises of a minor character to various parts of the body; he was taken to the Burrangong District Hospital, and on enquiry on Tuesday we learned that the patient was doing as well as the circumstances would allow. The motor bicycle was very badly damaged.’ In the 1954 electoral roll he was living at Major’s Creek, Araluen, Eden Monaro, New South Wales and was a labourer. He died in 1970 and is buried in Braidwood Cemetery.
The 3rd Battalion was among the first infantry units raised for the AIF in August 1914 and it was recruited from New South Wales. With the 1st, 2nd and 4th Battalion it formed the 1st Brigade. Matthew joined the 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry Brigade on 25 August 1914 as Private 955. He stated he had been born in Murrumburrah and was a Natural Born British Subject. He was 25 years and 7 months, a fireman in the New South Wales Railway and was not married and had not been an apprentice. His next of kin was his mother, Mrs J F Ebinger of 44 Shepherd Street Sydney (later changed to 58 Vine Street Redfern, Sydney). Matthew answered no to the other questions, except for a yes, that he has stated all his previous service. He took the oath on 27 August at Kensington. His enlistment description showed he was 25 years and 7 months old, was 6-foot 1½ inches tall, weighed 14 stone 3 pounds, had a chest measurement of 37½ to 40½ inches and had a dark complexion with blue eyes and black hair. His religious denomination was Roman Catholic. For distinctive marks he had a tattoo which was ‘clasped hands under a ½ star on right arm’. He was medically certified and appointed to E Company of 3rd Battalion 1st Infantry Brigade on the same day. Matthew enlisted for the duration of the war plus four months. He embarked on HMAT Euripides A14 on 20 October 1914. After a brief stop in Albany the 3rd Battalion arrived in Egypt on 2 December. They embarked on HMT Derfflinger for MEF on 5 April 1915. As part of the second and third waves the battalion took part in the Gallipoli landing on 25 April 1915. Privates 955 M M Mulcahy and 896 T Blackburn of the 3rd Battalion were recommended as ‘On 25th and 26th April these two soldiers behaved in a conspicuous manner, going out when called for to any part of the firing line. (Reported by Lieut. Barlow.)’ Lieutenant J E Barlow was later killed in action on 6 August 1915 during the battle for Lone Pine. He returned to HMT Derfflinger with a compound fracture of the humerus from Gallipoli. His service record has a date range of 25 to 30 April 1915 recorded for that incident. He was recorded on 6 May 1915 as dangerously ill in Heliopolis with wounds to his hip, and still dangerously ill on 13 May. Matthew died on 8 May 1915 from the effects of a wound to the hip that was received in action, at Heliopolis in Australian General Hospital No. 1. It was recorded as due to septicaemia and exhaustion. He was buried by Reverend McKenzie in Cairo British Cemetery on 11 May. His next of kin was advised that he was dangerously ill on 8 May. In the Cowra Free Press on Wednesday 12 May 1915 in page 2 was: ‘OUR BOYS AT THE FRONT Among the wounded from this district we notice the names of Troopers M. M. (Tiny) Mulcahy, who was one time on the railway here and has two brothers residing here now, and S. Warren, son of Mr. and Mrs. Warren, of Wattamondara, who is serving with the New Zealanders.’ The Inverell Times of Friday 14 May 1915 had on page 4: ‘A Soldier’s Death. The Very Rev. Dean O’Neill received the following telegram front Colonel Luscombe on Tuesday evening: — “Officially reported that Number 955, Private M. M. Mulcahy, third battalion, died septicaemia and exhaustion, eighth of May; was previously reported wounded. Kindly inform his mother, Mrs. J. F. Ebinger, Inverell, and convey deep regret and sympathy of their Majesties the King and Queen, as well as Commonwealth Government, in the loss that she and the Army have sustained by the death of her son.” Also, in the Co-operator (of Sydney) on Thursday 10 June 1915 in page 4 was ‘PERSONAL. Fireman Matthew Michael Mulcahy, who was killed at the Dardanelles, hailed, from Harden, and was a son of Mrs. Ebinger, of Wallendbeen. Mulcahy was 23 years of age and will be much missed in athletic circles, he having been a keen sport.’ The Sydney Morning Herald of Saturday 5 June 1915 in page 14 had: ‘PRIVATE M. M. MULCAHY. Private Matthew Michael Mulcahy (killed in action) was a son of Mrs. Ebinger of Wallendbeen. He was 23 years of age, and previous to enlisting was employed as railway fireman at Harden. A keen sportsman, the dead soldier took great interest in boxing, and was a member of a local football club.’ The Co-operator of Sydney on Thursday 10 June 1915 in page 4 under ‘PERSONAL. Fireman Matthew Michael Mulcahy, who was killed at the Dardanelles, hailed, from Harden, and was a son of Mrs. Ebinger, of Wallendbeen. Mulcahy was 23 years of age and will be much missed in athletic circles, he having been a keen sport.’ He also received a special mention as a Corps Complementary for the period of 25 April to 5 May 1915, for acts of conspicuous gallantry or valuable services. This was recorded in Part II 2056: 17.7.15 and MEFO 17/11-15. On 7 October 1915 his mother wrote to Base Records, enquiring of his pay and will. They replied on 14 October. She let them know of a change of address on 6 January 1916, which they acknowledged on 14 January and they also let Thomas Cook know the change on the same date. A letter was sent to Mrs J F Ebinger, 58 Vine Street Redfern, Sydney from Base Records on 1 February 1916 which said ‘I am directed to forward herewith the following extract from the Army Corps Routine Orders for 29th June, 1915. “153 COMPLIMENTARY. The Army Corps Commander has very much pleasure in publishing the names of the Junior Regimental Officers, Warrant Officers, N.C.O’s and men, in the attached supplement, which have been brought to his notice for having performed various acts of conspicuous gallantry or valuable service during the period from 25th April to 5th May, 1915. He cordially thanks them for the good work they have performed, which more than ever testifies to their devotion to duty towards King and Country. His only regret is that they cannot all be rewarded.” No. 955 Private M. M. Mulcahy. (Died of Wounds) 3rd Battalion. The above has been promulgated in Australian Military Orders No. 570 of 1915.’ A copy of his will, which was written on 10 November 1914 stated ‘In the event of my death I leave all my property and effects to my mother Mrs. J.F.Ebinger, No. 6 Cleveland Street, George Street West Post Office, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.’ It was signed “Private M.M.Mulcahy No.955, A.I.F. 3rd. Batt D Coy.’ The Sydney Mail of Wednesday 17 November 1915 in page 6 under the heading of Honoured by the King and Mentioned in Despatches was this picture of him:
Base Records sent his mother a letter on 6 April 1916 which was a ‘copy of extract from Supplement 29354 to the “London Gazette” of 5th November, 1915, relating to the conspicuous services rendered by the late No. 955 Private M. M. Mulcahy, 3rd Battalion.’ He had been Mentioned in Despatches in ‘continuation of my Despatch of 26th August, 1915. I have the honour to submit herewith the additional name of No. 955 Private M.M.Mulcahy, 3rd Battalion. They also noted it had ‘been promulgated in Australian Military Order No. 44 of 1916.’ Army Form B. 2090 A. was filled out on 16 June 1915 by Lieutenant H S G Hall, Officer Commanding Records Section Australia for AAG GHQ 3rd Echelon MEF at Alexandria. It stated Private 955 M M Mulcahy D Company 3rd Battalion AIF died of wounds received in action at No 1 General Hospital Heliopolis on 8 May 1915. It stated he had left no will (which was incorrect). His 1914-15 Star was sent to the Commandant in the 2nd Military District on 1 October 1920. The Where the Australians Rest pamphlet was sent to his mother on 10 February 1921. His British Ward Medal was sent to her on 4 March 1921 and his Victory medal was sent on 9 August 1922. The Memorial Scroll and Memorial Plaque were sent to her in late 1921, as was his Mention in Despatches. C Ebinger signed for four copies of photographs of the grave of 955 Private M M Mulcahy 3rd Battalion on 22 August 1921 and Base Records received the receipt slip on 27 August. (An order form for the photographs is still in his service records, filled out by the Department of Defence, but not by anyone else, which seems odd. It includes his CWGC entry and where he is buried.) The receipt for his Memorial Scroll and King’s message was received by Base Records on 27 August 1921 after being signed by his mother on 23 August. His mother signed for his Mention in Despatches (London Gazette No 29354/5450) on 17 October 1921 and the receipt was received by Base Records on 22 October. She also signed for his Memorial Plaque and King’s Message on 25 November 1921 and Base Records received the receipt on 29 November. On 18 August 1922 Catherine Ebinger signed for his Victory Medal with Oak Leaf attached, with Base Records receiving the receipt on 25 August. The effects of the late Private 955 W Mulcahy 3rd Battalion were described as 1 brown paper parcel containing one photo. It was despatched on 29 September 1915 with Thomas Cook and son to his next of kin on HMS Ulysses. Another page has despatched ‘3-1-16 . J.F Ebbinger (sic) N. S. Wales’. The Repatriation Commission requested his service records from Base Records in 1936. Matthew Michael Mulcahy is buried in the Cairo War Memorial Cemetery and in recorded in CWGC register as ‘MULCAHY, Pte. Matthew Michael, 955. 3rd Btn. Australian Inf. Died of wounds 8th May, 1915. Age 23. Son of Thomas and Catherine Mulcahy, of Milton, South Coast, New South Wales. Born at Wallendbeen, New South Wales. M. 30. Personal Inscription FOR LIBERTY AND TRUTH HE STOOD A SOLDIER TO THE END R.I.P.’ The inscription was written by his mother. He is also recorded at the Australian War Memorial at panel 37 in the Commemorative Area.
His medals are the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and the Victory Medal with Oak Leaf. The museum just has the last medal as pictured.
ANZAC Biographies
On our website you will find the biographical details of ANZAC (as well as British) servicemen & women whose medals or other memorabilia form part of the collection on display at the Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum, Maryborough, Queensland, Australia.