Richard Kelliher
This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (June 2021) |
Richard Kelliher | |
---|---|
Ballybeggan, Ireland | |
Died | 28 January 1963 Melbourne, Australia | (aged 52)
Allegiance | Australia |
Service/ | Second Australian Imperial Force |
Years of service | 1941–1946 |
Rank | Private |
Unit | 2/25th Battalion |
Battles/wars | Second World War
|
Awards | Victoria Cross |
Richard Kelliher,
Early life
Kelliher was born in
Military service
Kelliher enlisted in the Second Australian Imperial Force on 21 February 1941, and was sent to the Middle East. He was assigned to the 2/25th Battalion, which was on garrison duty in Syria. The battalion returned to Australia in March 1942 and was sent to New Guinea, where it took part in the Battle of Buna–Gona later that year. During this battle Kelliher was arrested after allegedly running from the front. He was later court martialled for cowardice in the face of the enemy where he claimed his platoon commander had sent him back for information. The commander had been killed in the battle and Kelliher had no witnesses to his version. He was convicted, but the charge was soon after quashed and, after rejoining his unit, Kelliher stated he would prove he was no coward.
On 13 September 1943, during the
Kelliher had bad health after suffering from both
Later life
He later travelled to
By the late 1950s Kelliher was completely disabled due to ill health and on 16 January 1963 had a stroke. He died in
References
- ^ "No. 36305". The London Gazette (Supplement). 28 December 1943. p. 5649.
External links
- Richard E. Reid, 'Kelliher, Richard (1910–1963)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 14, Melbourne University Press, 1996, p. 610.
- Nominal Roll Certificate, Department of Veterans' Affairs Nominal Roll website