1939-45 Star : Sergeant V D McQuillan, 6 Division Cavalry Regiment

Places
Accession Number REL28351.002
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Medal
Physical description Bronze
Maker Unknown
Date made Unknown
Conflict Second World War, 1939-1945
Description

1939-45 Star. Impressed on reverse with recipient's details.

History / Summary

Associated with QX4682 Sergeant Vincent Daniel McQuillan, 6 Division, Australian Cavalry Regiment, AIF. Seargeant McQuillan was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his actions at Bardia, Libya on 5 January 1941. Later, on 27 January 1941, McQuillan was leading his troop on patrol in the Wadi Derna area when it was ambushed by concealed Italian anti tank weapons and machine guns from very close range. McQuillan signalled his troop to withdraw and in the process his carrier struck a mine, mortally wounding his driver and breaking McQuillan's arm. The remaining vehicles escaped and gained cover. A rescue effort was mounted but failed. McQuillan and three others were later captured by the Italians. Sergeant McQuillan died of wounds two days after his capture, on 29 January 1941. He is buried at the Benghazi War Cemetery, Libya.