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WIlliam Nicholas LEHANE (LEHAN)
Year of Birth: 1895
Place of Birth: Port Douglas, Queensland
Date of Enlistment: 1 June 1915
Date and Place of Embarkation: 16 August 1916, Brisbane, Queensland
Ship: HMAT Kyarra A55
Rank: Sergeant
Unit(s): 9th Infantry Battalion – 1 to 9 reinforcements – 4th Australian Machine Gun Battalion
Regimental Number: 2636
Died: 18 September 1918
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William Nicholas Lehane was born 10 September 1892 to Cornelius Lehan and Honorah Courtenay, his twin sisters, Julia and Katherina were born in 1889. Katherine married Solomon Phillips in 1918 and Julia married Patrick Cullen in 1920. His mother Honorah was previously married to Hugh Quinn and had 4 children Mary Ann born 1879, Elizabeth 1881, Patrick 1883 and Hugh 1885.
His half-brother Patrick was killed in action on the 16 August 1917.
William’s mother Honora died in 1901 and his father Cornelius in 1909. William attended the Mareeba State School and later moved to Ipswich.
On his enlistment in Brisbane, William was 22 years 8 months, his occupation a Miner and his next of kin, Miss K Lehane, Ipswich, Qld, later changed to Mrs S Phillips. His height was 5 feet 11 inches, weighed 156 pounds with dark complexion, bluish eyes and dark brown hair. His religion was Roman Catholic.
William was wounded in action with gunshot wound to his knee on the 8 June 1917 he was transferred to St Andrew Hospital England and returned to duties in October. William was promoted to Sergeant 5 March 1918.
William Lehane died of wounds 18 September 1918 in France and buried in the Brie British Cemetery, Picardie, France. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal.
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Online Resources
Queensland Registrar of Births Deaths & Marriages
Photograph of the HMAT Kyarra A55, Australian War Memorial
NAA: B2455, Lehane William, National Archives of Australia
NAA: B2455, Quinn Patrick Francis, National Archives of Australia
If you have a photograph or further information about this soldier you would like to share and add to his biography, please contact the Society at projects@cdfhs.org or leave a comment below. Thank you!
William Lehane was my mother’s uncle. We grew up with his presence. I have a couple of letters that he wrote to my grandmother and his sister Julia. I would be happy to send copies if there is any interest.
Annette O’Hara
If you are happy for us to add to the story we can add them if you like. Could you email a photo of them to vicepresident@cdfhs.org?