Military History

Embarked Fremantle per HMAT ‘Argyllshire’ A8 for England 9.11.1916.
Roll Rank Private.
Roll Unit 44th Infantry Battalion, 5th Reinforcements.
McGrath disembarked at Devonport with the 44th Bn. 10.1.1917. He marched into the 11th Training Bn. at Durrington 11.1.1917. After a period of intensive training, he proceeded overseas to France19.4.1917 He proceeded overseas to France, ex 11th Infantry Bn. 19.4.1917. He marched into Rouelles ex England 20.4.1917. McGrath was taken on strength with 44th Bn 22.4.1917 shortly after their large casualties at Messines in April that year (AWM 44th Bn). The 44th Bn. fought at Messines and Broodseinde Ridge in June 1917 (AWM 44th Bn). McGrath was selected to attend No. 5 Cadet Bn. at Cambridge 10.8.1917. McGrath reported sick and was admitted to the 1st General Hospital Cambridge 27.11.1917. He marched out from Cambridge to AIF HQ in London and was appointed 2nd Lieut. 1.12.1917. Marched in from overseas Infantry Bde. 22.3.1918. Marched in Rouelles 7.4.1918. McGrath proceeded overseas to France 5.4.1918 and marched out to his Unit 9.4.1918. He was taken on strength with the 44th Bn. 10.4.1918. Promoted to Lieutenant 13.5.1918. The 44th Bn. took part in the preparatory Battle of Hamel in July 1918.(AWM 44th Bn. ) McGrath was wounded in action at Hamel 4.7.1918 receiving a GSW to his left shoulder. He was placed on the Regimental Seconded List (wounded) 4.7.1918 and admitted to the 8th General Hospital, Rouen France. His wound was described as a slight injury 5.7.1918. McGrath was invalided and transported per ‘Gloucester Castle’ to England 8.7.1918. He was admitted to the 3rd London General Hospital 9.7.1918. McGrath was discharged to Sutton Veny, ex hospital 27.8.1918. He proceeded overseas to France 19.9.1918 and marched into the Australian Infantry Base Depot at Rouelles (AIBD) 22.9.1918. To hospital sick, ex AIBD 7.10.1918 and marched out to his Unit on resuming duty from Regt. Seconded List 25.10.1918. It is not recorded if he fought with the 44th Bn. along the St. Quentin Canal in September – October 1918. McGrath disembarked for duty ex France 3.2.1919. He on leave in England 6.2.1919 and was granted extended leave of absence 21.2.1919 to attend a course at the London Day Training College, Southampton Row, London 23.2.1919. He marched in from AIF 26.7.1919 and was listed for return to Australia.
Embarked for Australia per ‘Berrima’ 6.9.1919
Returned/Disembarked Fremantle October 1919.
Discharged 13.12.1919 (Appointment terminated).
Final Rank Lieutenant., 44th Bn. AIF.
Medical Condition NK.
Awards and Medals 1914/15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal.
Photos HMAT 'Argyllshire.' Photographer unknown, photograph source AWM P10581.002
             Messines, showing winter trenches 1917. Photographer unknown, photograph source AWM E0128
             Battle of Hamel. Australian and American troops dug in 1918. Photographer unknown, photograph source AWM  E0269
             HMAS 'Berrima' under construction 1913. Unsourced image Wikipedia

Information Source
AWM P10581.002. HMAT 'Argyllshire.' Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection Australian War Memorial
AWM E0128. Messines, showing winter trenches 1917. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM E0269. Battle of Hamel. Australian and American troops dug in 1918. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM Embarkation Roll- Eric Edward McGrath
Guildford Grammar School Honour Roll
NAA: B2455, McGrath E E
Wikipedia. HMAS 'Berrima' under construction 1913. Unsourced image, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMAS_Berrima


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