World War I Service:

George Henry Mulligan
George Henry Mulligan

The information below is from George's Defence Force Personnel Record, from Archives NZ.

Biographical Details

According to his History-Sheet, his occupation was Farm Labourer last employed by Thomson & Co. on Waironga Farm, Otago, his religion was Presbyterian and his birth-date was 12 March 1896 in Dunedin.

His next of kin was listed as Mrs Margaret Mee (Aunt), of Kuri Bush, Otago.

His History Sheet is stamped with the words "Will with Public Trustee"

His Attestation was dated 18 May 1916, at Dunedin. His birth-place was Caversham, Dunedin, on 12 March 1896. His occupation is given as Farm Labour, last residing at Waironga Farm, Otago. He had passed the Fourth Educational Standard. His last employer is given as Thomson & Co, Otago. He was not married. He was already a member of the Territorials, 10th Company, Otago Rifles. He had already registered for military service at Dunedin

His physical description is given as: 20 years, 5 foot 7 ¾ inches, 142lbs, Fair complexion, Grey eyes, Brown haired. His religious profession was Presbyterian. His vision and hearing were good. He was classed as 'Fit'.

Service Details

George's service number was 24454. Beginning on 17 May 1916, he served 157 days in NZ, 2 years 239 days overseas, for a total of 3 years and 31 days, in Western Europe until 19 May 1919.

  • He sailed to Europe on the SS Pakeha - 23 September 1916 - 18 November 1916
  • Assigned to NZ Machine Gun Squadron/Battlion, D Company
  • Attached to 2nd Wellington Regiment
  • 1 December 1916 he marched out of Grantham
  • Left for France 16 March 1917 arriving at Camiers on 18 March
  • On 2 June 1917 he was 'Posted to strength'
  • 19 October admitted to Hospital 'sick'
  • 22 October at Abbeville admitted to Hospital with Influenza
  • 27 October Embarked for England
  • Left for France 19 March 1918
  • 30 March 1918 marched into Camp at Camiers
  • At Grantham Base in December 1917 he was charged with overstaying leave and forfeited 2 days pay

He was finally discharged on 16 June 1919, having sailed from Europe on the SS Carpentaria, and returning to Kuri Bush, Otago.

Injuries

  • 22 October 1917 admitted to NZ General Hospital with Influenza (Mild)
  • 31 October he was (re)admitted to hospital with Influenza (severe)
  • 31 November 1917 discharged on Leave
  • 12 December 1917 he was in London to report to Grantham Depot

Awards

He was awarded the War Medal 1914-19, and the Victory Medal.