French La Croix du Combattant de l'Europe : Sergeant F J Cahill, 36 Battalion, AIF

French La Croix du Combattant de l'Europe. The ribbon is a mid-blue colour with 12 gold stars in a circular pattern printed onto it. Suspended from the ribbon is a gilded alloy and enamel cross. The main cross has been divided vertically and horizontally by red and white 'L' shaped enamel. In the arms of the cross are arms making up another cross all enamelled with a maroon colour. Extending further from each of the arms is what looks to be a Maltese cross which has been slanted to 45 degrees. On the reverse of the medal, located in the middle is a raised circle. Around the inside edge of the circle is written 'CONFEDERATION EUROPEENNE' in raised lettering. In the Middle of the circle is written 'DES / ANCIENS / COMBATTANTS' also in raised lettering. This translates as 'EUROPEAN CONFEDERATION OF THE WAR VETERANS'. On the bottom arm of the cross is written 'DEPOSE / L.R. / PARIS'. The medal is in it's original presentation box with the maker's name 'ARTHUS BERTRAND' printed on the padded inside of the box.

Frederick Cahill was presented with this French Croix Du Combattant de l'Europe when he attended the 50th Anniversary commemoration of the ending of the First World War in 1968. Sergeant Frederick Joseph Cahill was born in Lismore, NSW in 1899. He enlisted for service in the First World War on 17 February 1916 and was called up for service nine days later. Cahill was assigned the regimental number 733 and was allotted to 'C' Company of the newly formed 36 Battalion.

After completing his initial training, Cahill embarked with his unit from Sydney on 13 May. After disembarking at Plymouth on 9 July, he spent the next four months with his battalion in further training for the fighting on the Western Front. Cahill was transferred to the Headquarters of 9 Brigade in November where he took up a position as the Chaplain's batman. 9 Brigade moved to France later that month with the battalions going into the lines over the next month in the Armentieres sector.

In September 1917 Cahill was transferred to 3 Division Headquarters for two months, returning to 9 Brigade Headquarters in November. In May 1918, during the German spring offensive, Cahill was wounded when the Germans shelled the area of Rivery, on the outskirts of Amiens, with mustard gas. By June, he had been transferred to the Norfolk War Hospital in England to recover. Cahill went absent without leave (AWL) on 18 July and did not return until 31 July.

Due to his good record, his charge was dismissed. He went AWL again in late September for three days but again escaped penalty. Cahill returned to France and 9 Brigade Headquarters in October and saw no further action. On 21 January 1919 he was transferred to 35 Battalion. He was promoted to temporary corporal in early April and transferred to 34 Quota after the battalion disbanded. By the end of April, Cahill had moved to Tidworth, England with 34 Quota where he became an instructor.

On 15 May, he was promoted to temporary sergeant and retained that rank for the journey home to Australia. Cahill and the men of 34 Quota left England on 12 June onboard the transport ship Themistocles. On 10 August, Cahill disembarked in Sydney and was discharged from the AIF on 29 September 1919.