Fob pocket compass : Sapper C M Coughlan, 6 Field Artillery Brigade, AIF

Silver fob pocket compass fitted with push-release sprung cover and fob chain ring. Reverse of case is impressed with a broad arrow within a capital 'D', over the maker's details, over 'V / 14018 / 1915'. Interior features a floating disc compass under a protective glass face.

Fob compass used in the field by 2898 Sapper Charles McKenzie Coughlan, MM, of 6 Field Artillery Brigade, (FAB) AIF. Coughlan was born in February 1894 at Burwood, NSW, and was an electrician working with Anthony Hordens of Sydney when he enlisted in the AIF on 7 December 1915; he embarked for overseas service on 14 March 1916 aboard HMAT Anchises. After a short period of illness in Egypt, Coughlan was transferred to France with the 6th Army Brigade Australian Field Artillery Signals Subsection. On 19 August 1918, at Rosieres in France, Coughlan, with 5881 Sergeant John Leslie Harrison, placed themselves at great risk over a period of 90 minutes during an extensive enemy bombardment to successfully repair severed communication lines, an action for which both men were recommended for the Military Medal. Two months later, on 20 October, Coughlan suffered exposure to phosgene gas and was taken to 1 General Hospital at Etretat; the Armistice was declared while he was recovering. Coughlan's younger brother, 15343 Sapper Paul McKenzie Coughlan also served with 6 FAB, and was also recommended for the Military Medal for an action on 25 September 1917 under circumstances very similar to those of his brother's. Both men sought and were granted leave form the Army in early 1919 to train as electrical engineers with the London Urban Electrical Supply Company, presumably with a view to future employment in Australia. Both brothers appear in AWM photo C04305.