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 |
1939-45 Star : Sergeant V D McQuillan, 6 Division Cavalry Regiment
1939-45 Star. Impressed on reverse with recipient's details.
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.