William O'NEILL

William (Willie) was born 22 January 1886 in Cooktown to James Henry O’Neill and Elizabeth (Lizzie) Angelina Hackett. William had 2 sisters Anne Jane 28 October 1887, Lizzie Florence 22 June 1889. His mother, Elizabeth (Lizzie) Angelina, died on the 29 September 1890 and his father James married again to Edith Williams, 23 February 1892 and had one son, James Gordon born 21 August 1893. From 1909 to 1913 William was an assistant grocer in his father’s store at Nelson (Gordonvale).

William’s step brother, James Gordon, enlisted on the 27 January 1915 and also served in the 9th Infantry Battalion B2455 1994. He attained the rank of Second Lieutenant and was killed in action 12 August 1918.

William’s father, James Henry died 11 November 1944 and his step mother, Edith Williams died 1941

At the time of his enlistment, William gave his age as 29 years 7 months and his occupation as a Seaman. His next of kin was his father, James E O’Neill, Gordonvale, via Cairns.  His height was 5 feet 1 ¾ inches and weighed 10 stone 10 pounds. William Henry had dark complexion, blue eyes, dark hair and his religion was Church of England.

William O’Neill was killed in action at Mouquet Farm France, on the 21 August 1916.  He has no known grave but is commemorated on the Australian War Memorial, Roll of Honour at Villiers-Brettonneux, Picardie, France.