SAPPER JAMES McCAWLING
7261 – Reinforcements Tunnelling Companies
Dublin, Ireland was the birthplace of James McCawling about 1872. He stated he has been apprenticed to J. Henderson & Co in Liverpool, England for two years. Military experience was three years with the Q.P.A. until time expired. He came to Australia and was working as miner.
During a recruiting drive at Many Peaks, via Gladstone, Queensland James applied to enlist and passed the preliminary medical examination on March 15, 1917. Personal particulars of the single forty-four year old were given of his height at 179cms (5ft 10½ins) and a chest measurement of 98cms (38½ins). He was passed ‘fit for active service’ and his application was accepted by the recruiting officer.
At the Rockhampton Central District Recruiting Depot the next day the medical attendant accepted the medical examination and Attestation forms were completed. These add further particulars of his weigh at 82.7kgs (182lbs) and had a fresh complexion with brown eyes and brown hair. Church of England was his faith. There was no next-of-kin nominated and was sworn in the same day.
In The Capricornian on March 31, 1917 acknowledgement to the departing volunteers was reported:
Basic training commenced on arrival at Enoggera Camp, Brisbane, Qld until March 21, 1917. His Conduct Sheet stated he was of Good Character for the unallotted period. A transfer to the Miners’ Depot followed and was assessed dentally fit on March 23. Home leave was applied for to Rockhampton and he travelled by train on April 22 and returned four days later on April 26, 1917.
He was sent for further training to the Miners’ camp at Seymour, Vic on May 7, 1917 and assigned the regimental number 7261 with the rank of Sapper and placed for training with the Reinforcements for the Tunnelling Companies.
His training report card reads:
1st weekCompleted.
2nd weekGetting the drill he needs
3rd weekImproving and keen
4th weekReliable man, keen.
He entered the Seymour Clearing Hospital on May 23, 1917 and was discharged on May 30, 1917.
On May 24, 1917 Sapper McCawling appeared before the Medical Board at Seymour Camp. Its findings were:
DisabilityChronic Rheumatism
Origin of disability:1907
Place of disability:Brisbane, Qld
Essential facts:10 years ago contracted Rheumatism and had suffered ever since.
Has just reported sick with it here in camp and gets it nearly every
Winter.
Cause of disability:Exposure.
Caused by Service:Not caused by any of these.
Present condition:He is just over a severe attack of Rheumatism in shoulders, knees,
Feet etc. It is likely to occur and he is not likely to make an efficient soldier.
Treatment:Hospital.
Discharge unfit:Yes Permanently.
Pathological condition:Chronic Rheumatism.
Finding:Permanent for Military service.
Confirmed:May 29, 1917.
He received a Military Discharge as medically unfit on June 1, 1917 after serving 78 days.
No medals were issued as he did not serve overseas.
© Donna Baldey 2010