Watch List notes:

MM Trio: Military Medal (GVR type 1); British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal 1914-19. 1715 Gnr: J.M.O'Brien. 10/Bde:Aust:F.A. on first medal, 1715 Cpl J.M.O'Brien. 7 L.H.R. A.I.F. on last two medals. All medals impressed. Swing mounted, ribbons damaged and incorrect ribbon on second medal, some oxidation marks on last medal, otherwise fine - very fine.

Entitled to 1914-15 Star.

MM: LG 28/7/1917, p7770; CAG 20/12/1917, p3372, to Gunner James Matthew O'Brien 38 Aust Field Arty Battery.

Recommendation: On the 13th May 1917 during the operations against the Hindenburg Line, a dug-out used as the Signal Office of the Infantry Brigade holding the section of the line to the East of Bullecourt, was blown in by a direct hit, killing all personnel and destroying instruments - thereby completely severing all communications. Gunner O'Brien (who is a Battery linesman), with Sergeant Phibbs at once volunteered to proceed to the spot and made every endeavour to restore communication. Enemy shelling at the time was extremely intense, many men becoming casualties. This man has on previous occasions been brought to notice for his splendid work and devotion to duty during the Somme operations.

(Note: This man was also recommended for a Military Medal on 14/6/17 for good work during the Messines operations but that recommendation was not sent on as notification was received that the MM had been awarded for the abovementioned operations.)

James Matthew O'Brien, commercial traveller, age 29, born at Coonabaraban, near Gunnedah, NSW; Enl.24Apr1915 at Liverpool, Sydney, NSW in 7LHR; Emb.02Nov1915; TOS MEF at Maadi 28Dec1915; TOS 10FAB from 7LHR and posted to 38Bty 26Mar1916; to France 05Jun1916; TOS 4DAC 12Apr1917; TOS 10FAB 13Apr1917; awarded MM 20Jun1917; to VD hospital 19Jun1917 for 51 days; rejoined FAB 16Aug1917; to Bombardier 13Jan1918; to Cpl 27Jan1919; RTA 01May1919; Disch.03Aug1919.

With copy of Service File and group photo of 38 Bty Fd Arty and other research.