Military Medal : Sapper M M O'Meara, 4 Divisional Signal Company, AIF

Military Medal (Geo V). Impressed around edge with recipient's details.

Sapper Maurice Myles O'Meara was born in Toongabbie Victoria in 1893. He enlisted with the AIF on the 14 July 1915 and served with the 2 Signal Company then transferred to 4 Division Signal Company. O'Meara was awarded the Military Medal for courageous action near Contalmaison and Pozieres during August 1916. The recommendation for his award reads, 'Gallantry and devotion to duty near Contal-Maison during August 1916. 2nd Corpl [sic] Bryant and Sapper O'Meara were stationed at the Forward Artillery Exchange for over three weeks and were responsible for lines between Headquarters and Artillery Brigades. They showed conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in running and maintaining telephone lines between the above points under heavy shell fire especially on August 11th and 22nd when lines were repeatedly being out. It is mainly due to their efforts that communication has been kept up to Brigades and that the Forward Exchange has always been kept in touch with Headquarters'. O'Meara was promoted to lance corporal on the 11 February 1918, then to Sergeant on 31 October 1918. He returned to Australia on the 22 September 1919.