Hugh Joseph McAlary MM (1893-1918) - An Honourable Australian

Hugh Joseph "Tood" McAlary MM 1893-1918

Hugh Joseph McAlary CSM MM is my paternal 1st cousin 2x removed. 

My 2x great grandparents Daniel McAlary and Martha McIlhinney are our shared common ancestors. Daniel & Martha were the first McAlary ancestors to immigrate to Australia from Northern Ireland in January 1844.

They were Hugh Joseph's paternal grandparents. 

Hugh Joseph was known to his family and friends as "Tood".

Hugh Joseph McAlary was born on 11 May 1893 in Coonamble, central New South Wales, to Bernard James McAlary, grazier, and his wife Rose McAlary.

Hugh had three brothers: Daniel James (1891-1978), William John (1895-1933), Patrick Aloysius (1897-1913) and a sister Mary Josephine (1900-1961). Hugh was educated at the Coonamble College. On leaving school, Hugh worked on the family property "Yarranville" in Coonamble. 

Hugh Joseph McAlary enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) on the 19 June 1916 at the age of 23 years and 1 month.

National Archives Australia: B2455: MCALARY HJ

His enlistment papers described Hugh as a farmer, who was single and Roman Catholic. Further he was 5' 9 ½", with a chest measurement of 37 ½ -40 ". He had a fresh complexion, blue eyes and fair hair with a tendency to flat feet and a scar on the top of his nose.

It appears likely that Hugh's decision not to join up till 1916 was probably guided by events within his immediate family. Firstly, the death of Hugh's youngest brother Patrick Aloysius in May 1913, a series of illnesses in 1914 and 1915 involving his father, eldest brother and his sister, and then the retirement of his father from their "Yarranville" property in 1916, all indicate that during these early years of the war, Hugh's priority was to be with his family. Additionally, as a farmer, Hugh's enlistment in 1916 may have been attributed to the breaking of the drought in 1915.

Following his attestation Hugh McAlary was appointed to 'H' Company Dubbo Depot Battalion on 27 June 1916.  He remained with this training battalion until November 1916 when he was transferred to the Light Trench Mortar Battery School at Menangle Park Liverpool, with the rank of Acting Sergeant. 

On 10th February 1917, after 7 months of training, Hugh Joseph McAlary embarked the RMS Osterley at Sydney with rank of Voyage Only Sergeant 6th Reinforcements Light Trench Mortar Battery. (V.O. Sgt. 6th Rfts LTMB.) 

Troopship RMS Osterley during the Great War

No doubt during the months of Hugh's training he would have heard the news from the Western Front and the horrific conditions and casualties of the Battles of the Somme, Fromelles, Pozieres and Bullecourt.

Hugh disembarked the Osterley in Plymouth, England on 12 April 1917 and was marched into Australian Depot No 3 Camp Parkhouse. Here his rank of Voyage Only Sergeant reverted to Private when he was taken on strength of the 62nd Battalion.

Location of Australian Camps in England

Camp Parkhouse where Hugh McAlary was based for training in England.

On 26 May 1917 he was promoted to Temporary Sergeant 62nd Battalion. Hugh remained in England undergoing extensive training for four months. Alongside new friends and comrades, Hugh would learn to comply with the long hours of work and routines from reveille at 6.30am followed by parades, inspections, equipment cleaning, training, roll calls and finally lights out at 10pm. The syllabus included drill and physical training, learning orders and various dresses. Lectures and demonstrations in the use of musketry and bayonet, map reading, marching, tactical handling of the Lewis Gun, trench warfare, Company artillery formations, and finally open warfare and attack drills were all included. Each period of a course would end in a gymkhana where the men would compete against each other.

1914 Lewis Gun used in First World War by the Australians

Training in action with Lewis Guns

On 23 August 1917, fourteen months after enlisting, Hugh finally proceeded overseas to France via Southampton to reinforce the 3rd Division on the Western Front. By this stage the 62nd Battalion, which had been formed in an attempt to create a 6th Division was in the process of being disbanded and on 31st August 1917, Hugh was transferred to the 35th Battalion with the rank of Sergeant and Regiment Number 2035, (which was later changed to 2035B). 

Throughout September 1917, during his first month with the 35th Battalion, Hugh spent much of his time in training and attending various sporting events, such as the 9th Australian Infantry Brigade sports held near Wismes. By the end of the month the battalion marched for three days from Wismes to Winnezelle (distance of 62 kms) before finally being bussed to the Zonnebeke Sector to relieve the 13th Kings Own Regiment on the night of the 30th September /1st October.

Route taken by the 35th Battalion in September to October 1917 in the lead up to the Battle of Passchendaele.

Sixteen months after his enlistment, Hugh finally saw active service when the 35th Battalion took part in the offensive operations in the Third Battle of Ypres. Their immediate objective was the ridge at Passchendaele. The Unit War Diary of the 35th Infantry Battalion reported the heavy casualties sustained by the battalion in the horrific conditions.

"Casualties of the 35th Battalion during operations at Passchendaele: 8 Officers, 45 Other Ranks (O/R) Killed. 8 officers, 208 O/R wounded, 1 O/R gassed, 1 Officer and 55 O/R missing. Total casualties 326 all ranks."

The battle-field of Passchendaele October 1917

Colonel Henry A Goddard, Commander of the 35th Battalion, in his story of the 35th Battalion provided insight into the reasons for the failure of previous attempts in this area and the absolute bravery of those who fought at Passchendaele.

"The condition of the ground was indescribable; so bad was it that artillery simply sank into the quagmire, the mud literally swallowed anyone who was so unfortunate as to lose the faint tracks, and the enemy artillery constantly shelled what roads and tracks remained. At night enemy aeroplanes caused great havoc amongst men and horses with their dreadful bombs. In short, the battle-field of Passchendaele was a veritable hell. And yet, at 5.25am on the 12th October, our troops advanced to attack what seemed like an impregnable position."

The mud, death and despair of Passchendaele, October 1917

It was in these horrific conditions on 12 October 1917 that Hugh McAlary was wounded in action and invalided to the 11th Australian Field Ambulance with shrapnel wounds to the face and chest. From the Field Ambulance Hugh was forwarded to the Casualty Clearance Station, then admitted to the 3rd Canadian General Hospital in Boulogne and finally embarked the 'St Andrew' for transport to England. In England he was admitted to the Colchester Military Hospital for a period of 14 days.  Following his recovery, Hugh was given two weeks furlough and then reported to Camp Hurdcott in England before once again proceeding to France, rejoining the 35th Battalion at Rouelles on 1 January 1918.

Letter received by in Melbourne on 15 November 1917 and then forwarded to Bernard McAlary
reporting that his son Hugh J McAlary had been wounded with
gun shot wounds to face and chest on 18 October 2017.
Note the information to the family arrived a month after Hugh's injury.

During the very cold winter month of January 1918 the 35th Battalion spent their days in Outtersteene in the far north of France. Here they were largely occupied by training and Inter-Company sports matches, occasionally interspersed with route marches when the snow permitted safe road conditions. At the end of the month the battalion moved on to Kortepyp camp where more training, sporting matches and demonstrations of "Platoon attack on a strong point" were held.  On the 8th of February Hugh was admitted to the 9th Field Ambulance hospital where he received treatment for scabies, before rejoining the battalion again on the 13th February. Again, further training, particularly with Lewis Gunners was held until the 24th February when the battalion marched on route to 'The Catacombs' (Hill 63). Here the 35th Battalion was in support of the front line brigade. Despite wet weather and difficult conditions up to 300 men were employed for the next week in trench work.

Map showing the movement of the 35th Battalion during the early months of 1918 where they undertook training and sporting events until March when they were involved in raids at Warneton.

The first week of March 1918 saw the 35th Battalion involved in successful raids on the enemy lines at Warneton with the objective of obtaining certain information from the Germans. It was here on the night of the 3rd/4th March; Hugh McAlary was awarded a Military Medal, mentioned in AIF Routine Orders No. 16.

"For gallant service and devotion to duty on the night of 3rd/4th March, 1918 during raid on enemy trenches in vicinity of Warneton. He was in charge of right support line storming party, personally leading his men throughout the operation. He showed excellent leadership, was exceedingly courageous, and was a fine inspiration to his men." 

At this time, expecting a well earned rest, the 35th Battalion moved to Henneveux in north eastern France. The enemy however had other plans and launched an unexpected offensive near St Quentin. The battalion was sent immediately to Belgium. No sooner than they arrived than the situation on the Somme became worse, and the 35th "were sent at all speed, by a series of journeys by bus, train and forced marches, to the assistance of the Fifth Army."  After 5 days of travel and little rest, the 35th Battalion moved immediately into the front line at Villers- Brettoneaux, with the objective of protecting the advance of the Germans into Amiens. For days on end with little respite, they endured heavy barraging and great losses in disagreeable weather that 'proved a heavy test on the endurance of the men.'

33rd & 35th Battalion HQ at the southeast end of the town

The 35th Battalionn engaged in trench warfare at Villers-Brettoneaux April 1918

Following Hugh's success at Warneton, on 16th April 1918 he was promoted to Temporary Company Sergeant Major (Warrant Officer Class 2) 35th Battalion (T/CSM WO2). 

The 35th Battalion were then moved on from Villers-Brettoneaux to Cachy and then Lahoussie. Constantly on alert with orders to "move in one hour", it was on the evening of the 30th April that the Battalion finally moved into the Morlancourt sector to relieve the 42nd Battalion. Here they spent several days improving the condition of the trenches and preparing for an attack on the evening of the 5/6th May. This attack proved to be a difficult but successful one in which enemy ground and a number of machine guns, Minewerfers, rifles and prisoners were taken. 

Improving the trenches on the Ridge at Morlancourt May 1918

Advancing on the enemy

On the evening of May 8th 1918, just 3 days prior to his battalion being marched out for rest, and 3 days prior to his 25th birthday, Hugh McAlary was killed in action, near the front at Morlancourt.

The final page of the service file of Hugh J McAlary with the ominous stamp,
"Killed In Action."
National Archives Australia: B2455: MCALARY HJ

CSM Hugh Joseph McAlary MM died 8 May 1918

Many accounts of Hugh's death are recorded in the Australian Red Cross Wounded and Missing Enquiry Bureau Files.

 Major Henry V Carr of the 35th Battalion stated:

 "Re H.J. McAlary: He was my Company Sergeant Major when he died on 8th May. We were on our way to the front line, near Morlancourt, about sunset, when a MG (machine gun) opened on us. McAlary fell and said he had been hit and was done for. By the time I crawled up to him he was unconscious. There was no wound on him, but by the time I got bearers and had him removed to the RAP (Regimental Aid Post) he had died. The MO (Medical Officer) diagnosed it as a case of heart failure..." 

Hugh was buried in the field by Chaplain Osborne (Chaplain of the 35th Battalion) with a cross made by his mate, Sgt E P Gain (1426). Hugh was later buried in Mericourt-L'Abbe Communal Cemetery Extension, 4 miles NNE of Corbie. His headstone with a cross carries the inscription chosen by his mother: "Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have mercy on his soul." 

Final resting place of CSM Hugh Joseph McAlary MM

Mericourt L'Abbe Communal Cemetery from the town of Corbie.

The Main entrance to the Mericourt L'Abbe Communal Cemetery in France

Layout of the graves at Mericourt L'Abbe Communal Cemetery.

Hugh Joseph McAlary is buried in Plot III Row A Position 13. 

His grave is in the extreme top left corner of the cemetery.

His grave in Mericourt-L'Abbe Communal Cemetery Extension (Plot 3, Row A, Grave 13) in France is commemorated in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Here Hugh lies in a peaceful little village with 411 other Commonwealth soldiers who fought and died in defence of Amiens. It is hoped that here Hugh has found peace and understanding in a place he thought was 'strange.' 

Five days prior to his death, Hugh wrote to Sis Colwell, an old family friend and neighbour, stating:

Hugh's story does not end with his death. In the days, months and years following his death, Hugh's family were left to mourn his tragic loss. News of Hugh's Military Medal reached the McAlary family in Coonamble at the end of May, three weeks after his death. While still celebrating his award, the family received the sad news that Hugh had been killed in action at Morlancourt.

The Leader (Orange NSW) May 29 1918. Congratulating the McAlary family of Coonamble on the occasion of the award for bravery in the field awarded to Hugh J McAlary.
http://nla/gov/au/nla/news_article100964277

The Catholic Press (Sydney, NSW) reported:

Catholic Press(Sydney NSW), Thu 13 June 1918
http://nla/gov.au/nla/news-article106096679

On July 19th 1918, the Coonamble branch of the Hibernian Australasian Catholic Benefit Society received official notification that Hugh had been killed in action, enabling the family to receive a funeral donation.

A letter written by Hugh's mother Rose McAlary, received by Base Records in September 1918, some four months after her son's death, expressed clearly her continued grief. Poignantly, she wrote, "We have not got any satisfactory information or anything belonging to him...I am his sad mother." 

Her letter further requested knowledge of the 'deed of bravery' for which he was awarded the Military Medal. Like so many family members in their time of grief, unable to mourn her loss in the usual way, Hugh's mother Rose, needed both information and something tangible belonging to her son. It was perhaps the only way she could have proof that he was not going to return.

An official letter from the AIF Base Records Office was sent to Mr B.J. McAlary, Hugh's father, suggesting a public presentation of Hugh's Military Medal to the family. Despite the War Office preferring a public presentation, a letter to the Base Records Office from Bernard McAlary indicated that "we will be pleased to receive it [the Military Medal] quietly. We do not wish for any public display." 

Letter to Base Records from Bernard J McAlary re the Military Medal
National Archives Australia: B2455: MCALARY HJ

Respecting the decision of the family, Bernard J McAlary received a letter on 21 October 1918  expressing "admiration for the gallantry of a brave soldier who nobly laid down his life in the service of King and country" and sympathy on his loss. With this letter was the Military Medal awarded to Hugh  just 4 weeks prior to his death. 

Letter to BJ McAlary containing the Military Medal awarded to his son Hugh Joseph McAlary
National Archives Australia: B2455: MCALARY HJ

The Military Medal awarded to CSM Hugh Joseph McAlary MM and received by his family in Coonamble NSW in October 1918.

In July 1919, 14 months after his death, with the assistance of the Coonamble Repatriation Committee, Hugh's mother again requested information regarding his belongings. Sadly, a letter dated 30 July 1919, brought the news that Rose did not want to hear. It indicated that a package of personal effects belonging to Hugh was in a consignment shipped from England aboard the SS Barunga which was lost at sea with all cargo, as a result of enemy action. 

Although Rose McAlary did receive Hugh's prayer book and diary in one package, it was the contents of this second package that she so eagerly awaited, but which was lost at sea. 

In March 1920 Hugh's father received a photograph of Hugh's grave in France together with a pamphlet titled, "Where the Australians Rest". 

A year later they received the three medals: the 1914/15 Star, The British War Medal and the Victory Medal. 

In November 1922 Bernard McAlary was sent a Memorial Plaque and scroll from the Australian Imperial Force. 

Each mail delivery must have re-ignited the grief of the McAlary family and made it difficult for them to move on with their lives.

Hugh Joseph McAlary, together with thousands of Australians who gave their life for their country, is commemorated in several places in Australia. His name appears on Panel 125 of the Honour Roll at the Australian War Memorial. 

Further to this he is honoured on the Coonamble Municipality and Wingadee Shire Council War Memorial and Honour Roll at the Coonamble Council Chambers and on the Gilgooma Honour Roll in the Coonamble RSL. 

Coonamble Municipality and Windagee Shire Council War Memorial

Honour Roll of Coonamble Municipality and Windagee Shire

Little is really known about Hugh McAlary other than what exists in his service files and military records. However, many reports from members of the 35th Battalion, who were interviewed by the Red Cross in investigating Hugh's death, described Hugh in a very positive light.

Sgt AW MacDonald of the 35th said of Hugh, "he was a fine man and a good soldier."

Sgt EP Gain (35th Bn) said, "I had [a] cross made for him... He was a mate of mine, knew him as 'Mac'- was a MM."

Sgt R Williams ('A' Coy. 35th), "McAlary was a fine big chap; he had been previously wounded at Passchendale on Oct 12th, but had rejoined. He was very popular." 

Capt ES Pearce of 35th said: "He was acting C/S/M of 'A' Co., a big strong man of about 5ft 8 and 29, and the only McAlary in 'A' Co." 

At some time following Hugh's death, his parents Bernard and Rose McAlary, gave Hugh's Military Medal to Miss Eileen Boylan. Eileen was a young lady who had met Hugh, possibly in Sydney, prior to his embarkation for the front line. Clearly, Hugh and Eileen were very much in love with the possibility they would have married on Hugh's return. However, as was often the case during war time, plans for the future were rudely interrupted by the enemy and Hugh was not to return. Eileen mourned her loss for the remainder of her life. She never married, but kept a photograph of Hugh close by together with the Medal he earned.

After much research by Eileen's family, the descendants of Hugh McAlary were located in Coonamble; and in 2008, 90 years after Hugh's death, the Boylan family made the fitting gesture of returning Hugh's Military Medal to his family. In turn, the McAlary family donated the medal to the Coonamble & District Archive Centre, so that it was in safe keeping for future generations of young Australians to share, admire and remember. 

Hugh McAlary's experience of war in many ways resembled that of other ordinary men who volunteered in the Great War. 

After reading the Unit Diaries, Battalion histories and Red Cross Society files, one must agree the only possible way to describe these ordinary men is as 'heroes.'

These significant records provide a glimpse into the un-ordinariness of the life of a soldier: the fear of the ever present enemy; that strain of standing in a position of readiness for hours on end; the horrific conditions of the weather, the trenches and the mud; the continual casualties among mates; the mental and physical exhaustion; and at times the confusion in lack of communication. They also give insight into the continuous training, the marches, travelling, sport events and at times boredom when not on the front line.

The families of these heroes also shared a common suffering exacerbated by distance and the knowledge there was little likelihood they would ever have the opportunity to visit the grave of their loved one. Their grief was real, unresolved, life-changing and life-long.

"It is not possible for those who have not endured the hardships of war to realise the conditions under which our men laboured; nor will any verse ever do justice to the self sacrifice, the devotion to duty, the honour, of those Australians who laid down their lives in this region." 

Colonel HA Goddard DSO, Commander of the 35th Battalion

8 May 2022 will be the 104th anniversary of the death of 

Hugh Joseph McAlary.

Grave of Hugh Joseph McAlary, Mericourt-L'Abbe Communal Cemetery, Somme, France

Rest In Peace

Lest We Forget