Claude Cyril John McCANN and William Francis James McCANN - Military Cross recipients

William Francis James McCANN:

Regimental number - 405

Place of birth - Glanville, South Australia

Religion - Church of England

Occupation - Teacher

Address - Pelham Street, Glanville, South Australia

Marital status - Single

Age at embarkation - 22

Next of kin - Father, J F McCann, Pelham Street, Glanville, South Australia

Enlistment date - 24 August 1914

Rank on enlistment - Sergeant

Unit name - 10th Battalion, D Company

AWM Embarkation Roll number - 23/27/1

Embarkation details - Unit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board Transport A11 Ascanius on 20 October 1914

Rank from Nominal Roll - Major

Unit from Nominal Roll - 10th Battalion

Recommendations (Medals and Awards) -

Military Cross -

*'Splendid work at Gallipoli, Fleurbaix and conspicuous bravery at Pozieres.'

Recommendation date: "29 July 1916*

 

Bar to Military Cross -

Recommendation date: 14 August 1918"

 

Mention in Despatches -

Awarded, and promulgated, 'London Gazette' No. 31448 (11 July 1919); 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 124 (30 October 1919).

 

Fate - Returned to Australia 20 May 1919

 

Military Cross -

'For conspicuous gallantry in action. He led his company in the attack, bombing the enemy back, and in spite of heavy casualties, pressed forward until severely wounded by a bomb.'

Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 184

Date: 14 December 1916

 

Distinguished Service Order

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty near Lihons on 10th August, 1918. After the attack had failed at Crepey Wood, he successfully captured the position with his company in face of very heavy fire; and, when the enemy in greatly superior numbers, counter attacked, he held them off, personally killing many of the enemy and exposing himself freely until reinforcements enabled him to dirve off the enemy and re-establish his original line. His courage and fine leadership prevented an important position falling into the hands of the enemy.'

Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 67

Date: 3 June 1919

 

Bar to Military Cross

'For conspicuous gallantry and fine leadership during an attack. He led one of the attacking companies with great dash, and helped very materially in the success of the operation. Wherever the situation was most critical he was to be found directing and encouraging his men, and his fine example inspired all under his command.'

Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31

Date: 4 March 1919

 

Claude Cyril John McCANN:

Regimental number - 648

Place of birth - Adelaide, South Australia

Religion - Church of England

Occupation- Cabinetmaker

Address - Pelham Street, Glanville, South Australia

Marital status - Single

Age at embarkation - 21

Next of kin - Mother, Mrs E McCann, Pelham Street, Glanville, South Australia

Enlistment date - 10 February 1915

Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll - 1 March 1915

Rank on enlistment - Corporal

Unit name - 27th Battalion, C Company

AWM Embarkation Roll number - 23/44/1

Embarkation details - Unit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAT A2 Geelong on 31 May 1915

Rank from Nominal Roll - Lieutenant

Unit from Nominal Roll - 27th Battalion

Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

 

Military Cross -

 

'Work at Westhoek on 19 and 21 September 1917.'

Recommendation date: 24 September 1917

 

Fate - Returned to Australia 21 December 1918

 

Military Cross -

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He displayed great dash and courage in rushing enemy posts, several of which were captured by his platoon. On other officers becoming casualties, he placed himself in command, displaying marked qualities of organization and leadership, which enabled his company to consolidate the position in a masterly fashion.'

Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 110

Date: 25 July 1918

Done