Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Martin Cahill was the eldest of four brothers who enlisted in the AIF and he was the only one to survive the war.

The family was from Stawell, Victoria, and after the father William died in 1908, mother Mary Ann Cahill and children moved to Melbourne.

Martin enlisted as a private in the 21st Battalion. He was a bank clerk from Camberwell, and left Australia in late 1915. During February 1916 he transferred to the 60th Battalion and was awarded a Mention in Despatches (MID) for his efforts, especially at Fromelles and later in 1916. Part of the recommendation stated, “This officer as R.S.M. acquitted himself with great credit in the attack by the 5th Division at Fromelles on 19 July 1916. On this occasion he showed great bravery and coolness in getting up ammunition and grenades to the front line and beyond, under heavy shell fire. He at times showed great bravery and coolness under fire. For the last month with the Battalion on the Somme, when suffering from an internal complaint, he repeatedly refused to leave his unit, when they were at that time, suffering under very trying and adverse conditions. This officer has at all times set an admirable example to his men, by his courageous behaviour.”

Cahill was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 1917. He was wounded in action in France in September 1917, in Belgium. Following treatment in England for a gunshot wound to the shoulder, he returned to his unit and with the rank of Temporary Captain was awarded the Military Cross (MC) for courage during battle.  

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on 8/9 August 1918. He organized his company for an attack at very short notice, and led them forward under heavy machine gun fire and thick fog. Having penetrated the enemy's line, by skilful leadership he succeeded in working round in rear of their position, and captured a large number of prisoners and machine guns. He showed splendid initiative and resource.'

He was recommended for a Bar to the Military Cross for his handling of his Company at Peronne 2/6 September 1918, again showing great judgement and disregard for personal danger.

In September 1918 Cahill transferred to the 59th Battalion when the 60th Battalion was disbanded. He returned to Australia on 10 December 1918.

Martin’s younger brother, Francis Matthew Cahill, had enlisted during 1915 and died of meningitis in the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne while he was still in camp, aged 22. An even younger brother, 2812 Pte. Richard Nicholas Cahill also of the 60th Battalion AIF, had died of wounds inflicted at the Battle of Fromelles on 24 July 1916, aged 20. A third brother, Lieutenant Thomas Kevin Cahill 39th Battalion was killed in action 30 August 1918, aged 34.

Martin Cahill worked for the Union Bank in later life. He was manager of branches at Forbes and Newcastle for many years. He was part of the inspecting branch at head office in Melbourne. The Union Bank later merged with the Bank of Australasia to become the ANZ Bank in 1951. In retirement Martin Cahill became an active member of the Albert Park Golf Club and St. Kilda Bowling Club. He passed away at the age of 66.