Carroll, Joseph John

No.1792 – Private Joseph John Carroll – 16^th Battalion AIF

John Joseph Carroll was born in Dongara Western Australia in 1889. He was educated at Dongara State School and after leaving school took up work, firstly as a miner and also as a labourer. Prior to the first world war John was living at Swan Street North Fremantle.

John enlisted a few months after the outbreak of war; he offered his services at the Perth recruitment office on the 18^th January 1915. The medical examiner found John to be 5 feet 10 & ¾ inches in height; weight of 150 lbs; chest measurement of 35-38 inches; sallow complexion, grey eyes and dark brown hair. His religious denomination was Roman Catholic.

Initially allotted to No.5 Depot, John was soon assigned to the 4^th Reinforcements to the 16^th Battalion. This group trained in Western Australia until 19^th April 1915 when they embarked from Fremantle on the transport ship H.M.A.T. “Argyllshire”. For the duration of his time in the reinforcement group John was made an Acting Lance Corporal. His ship reached Egypt approximately around the 15^th May 1915 and soon after arrival attended a course of instruction at a Military school under a Major Colston. The 4^th Reinforcements finally made their way to Gallipoli in July 1915.

Upon arrival John reported for duty to the 16^th Battalion and was posted to A Company. Due to holding the rank of Acting Lance Corporal for the voyage only, John now had to revert to the rank of Private. The 16^th Battalion was to the north of the Anzac front and it is unknown as to whether John was able to meet up with the 11^th Battalion to the south of Anzac. John’s brother Thomas Carroll was an original member of the 11^th Battalion whom had been killed on the first day of the campaign. He had been buried at Plugges Plateau but it is unknown as to whether John was able to visit his grave.

John joined the 16^th Battalion just in time for the August offensive. The 16^th Battalion as part of the 4^th Brigade were to make an advance from the northern outposts, and along with British, Indian and New Zealand troops, would attempt to capture the vital heights of Hill 971. All through the 7^th & 8^th August the 16^th Battalion attempted to advance through very difficult country. Much ground was made but due to the terrific Turkish resistance the vital heights could not be taken. The 16^th had heavy casualties though John survived these initial days of battle.

Further inroads against the Turkish positions were attempted during August but the Turks severely contested any advance. On the 29^th & 30^th August the 16^th Battalion was involved in the attempt to capture Turkish trenches at Hill 60. Unfortunately on the 29^th John was killed in action. It is unknown how he died but he may have survived for a little while as he was taken to the Field Ambulance where he died. He was buried at Embarkation Pier Cemetery. After the war the exact location of his grave was unknown though he was given a headstone with an inscription that he was known to be buried in the cemetery. This headstone plot is Special Memorial A.21.