The Soldier's Details
- Surname:
- McGrath
- First Name:
- Laurence James
- Nick Name:
- Laurie
- Rank:
- Acting Sergeant (Promoted on 28.8.1943)
- Regimental #:
- WX8611
- Awards:
- Mentioned in Despatches
- Company:
- 'B' Company
- Enlisted:
- 18.10.1940
- Discharged:
- 16.11.1945
- DOB:
- 14.09.1916
- Place of Birth:
- Kalgoorlie, Western Australia
- Father's Name:
- Francis James McGrath
- Mothers's Name:
- Jean McGrath
- Religion:
- Church of England
- Pre-war Occupation:
- Manager at State Building Supplies
- Java:
- Remained onboard HMT Aquatania at Java & returned to Australia sick. Admitted to 110 (P) MH on 25/1/1942 and discharged to unit on 31/4/1942. Soldier went on to serve at Wewak, Lae and Aitape with rank of A/Sgt. from 28/8/1943.
General Description
McGrath remained onboard HMT ‘Aquitania’ at Java, returning to Australia sick. Admitted to 110 (P)MH o . 25 January 1942 and discharged to unit on 32 March 1942. He went onto serve at Wewak, Lae and Aitape with rank of A/Sgt from 28.8.1943.
McGrath was Mentioned in Despatches whilst serving with 43rd Water Transport Company.
There was an explosion on a landing barge which caused a fire to break out. Acting Sergeant McGrath exposed himself to the flames and rescued an unconscious soldier. His actions were recognised and published Commonwealth Gazette 21.2.1946.
