28. John Carroll (1892-1971), war hero
John Carroll was born in Brisbane and came to Western Australia as a young man. He worked as a labourer in Kalgoorlie and Karrawang until he enlisted in April 1916. He was posted to the 44th Battalion, composed mainly of Western Australians, and later to the 33rd Battalion in England for service in France as part of General Monash’s 3rd Division. He was twice wounded and was awarded the Victoria Cross in June 1917.
Carroll’s citation for the Victoria Cross read as follows:
St Ives, France, 7-10 June 1917, Citation Private John
Carroll, 33rd Australian Infantry Battalion
For most conspicuous bravery. During an attack, immediately the barrage lifted Private John Carroll rushed the enemy’s trench and bayoneted four of the enemy. He assisted a comrade and killed one of the enemy. He worked ahead with great determination until he came across a machinegun with a team of four men. He attacked the team, killing three of the men and capturing the gun. He extracted two comrades after they were buried, in spite of heavy shelling. Private Carroll displayed most wonderful courage and fearlessness… his gallantry and devotion to duty inspired all ranks in his battalion.
- London Gazette: 2 August 1917.
Carroll returned to Australia in August 1918 and in 1923 married Mary Brown. Whilst working as a truck examiner at a timber mill at Yarloop, his foot was badly crushed and eventually amputated.