SAPPER JAMES Mcbratney

SAPPER JAMES McBRATNEY

Mining Corps / 638 - 42nd Service Battalion

Near the City of Belfast, Ireland on October 9, 1863 James McBratney stated he was born. He came to Australia and was working at Mount Morgan, Qld in 1903 as a Labourer and residing a Trotters Creek. A recruitment drive was advertised in the town in November, 1915 encouraging miners to enlist with the Miners’ Corps. Men up to the age of 49 years were being accepted and James in response applied to enlist.

His Application was dated November 15, 1915 and passed the medical examination the same day. Personal particulars show he was forty years old with a height of cms (5ft 5½ins) and had a chest measurement of (43ins).

He was re-examined in Rockhampton, Qld on November 23, 1915 and concurred the decision he was medically fit for active service with the Miners’ Corps that day.

The Recruiting Officer accepted his application and Attestation Forms were completed and he was sworn in on November 24, 1915. Further details given were he weighed 79.5kgs (175lbs) with a fair complexion, grey eyes and grey hair. A distinguishing mark was a mole on his right shin. His religion was Presbyterian and his sister Mrs H. Kirkman of Hamilton Street, Mount Morgan, Qld was named as his next-of-kin.

Acknowledgements to enlistees were published in The Capricornian on November 27, 1915 as they departed for training camp in Brisbane:

After completion of Basic training McBratney was transferred to the 42nd Service Battalion A.I.F. on February 23, 1916. Allocated the rank of Private and the regimental number 638.

He was interviewed by the Officer Commanding the 42nd Battalion on April 24, 1916 who declared McBratney had no copy of his birth certificate. He enlisted in response to an advertised appeal for recruits for the Mining Corps taken up to 50 years of age. Discharge was recommended.

On May 3, 1916 while in service at Thompson’s Paddock, Enoggera Camp, Private McBratney signed a Statutory Declaration stating that he was born in 1863 near the city of Belfast, Ireland.

As a result of the Declaration the Officer in Charge on May 8, 1916 recommended a Discharge due to the fact Private McBratney was fifty-five years of age.

The following day May 9, 1916 he was Discharged – Having irregularly enlisted.

As he did not serve abroad no service medals were issued.