FALLON, Michael Joseph

FALLON, Michael Joseph – A Southern Downs Veteran

CONFLICT : WWI
SERVICE NO : 5385
RANK : Private
UNIT : 12th Battalion
ENLISTMENT DATE : 21/09/1915
AGE : 26
PLACE OF ENLISTMENT : Brisbane, Queensland
PLACE OF BIRTH : Dalveen, Queensland
RELIGION : Roman Catholic
OCCUPATION : Farrier
DATE OF DEATH : 26/06/1930
PLACE OF BURIAL : Plaque Queensland Garden of Remembrance

MEMORIALS : Dalveen WWI Honour Boards

View Veteran’s Service File : FALLON, Michael Joseph

NOTES :

Michael Joseph Fallon was born on October 31, 1985 and was the first son of Patrick and Catherine Fallon of Dalveen. Michael and two of his brothers joined the AIF during the First World War. They were John Fallon 4787 and Stephen Fallon 61.

Delia McMahon married Michael on June 7, 1911. Less than twelve months after the announcement of Australia becoming involved in the First World War, Michael who had been working as a farrier, decided to enlist and do his part for the war effort. He travelled to Brisbane in September 1915, leaving Delia at home in Nambour.

Proceeding overseas in August 1916, he disembarked in Alexandria and undertook two months training with the BEF before sailing to France where he was taken on strength with the 12th Battalion. In March 1917 he was transferred to the 69th Battalion for a short period before being transferred back to the 12th Battalion.

An explosion from a mustard gas shell near him in the November required him to be sent to England for treatment for gas poisoning. As a result of the gas poisoning, Michael then suffered from myocarditis requiring him to be returned to Australia aboard the Orontes. On June 14, 1918, he was discharged in Brisbane as Medically Unfit for further service.

Read about Southern Downs Military History here.