Edward Joseph Daly

DALY, Edward Joseph- – – – SPC ?

DoB:– – c1891, Ballarat, VIC

Father:– – Michael Daly

Mother:– – Bridget, nee Burke

Service No:- 4770

Rank:– – Private, later Corporal, later Sergeant

Unit:– – 8th Battalion

Edward Daly enlisted on 5 July 1915. He was a single man, aged 24 years and nine months, who lived with his widowed mother at 56 Dytes Parade, Ballarat. He was five feet three and three quarter inches tall, with a dark complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. He gave his occupation as secretary.

Prior to embarking from Australia, Private Daly was promoted to the rank of Corporal. He left Australia aboard the Tunisian on 7 March 1916 with the 15th Reinforcements, who joined up with the 8th Battalion in France on 29 July 1916. By 10 January 1917 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, and was appointed Pay Sergeant for the 8th Battalion, and transferred to the Supernumerary (temporary personnel) Lists in France. In March 1917 he was transferred back to the Army Pay Corps from the 8th Battalion.

In September 1918, Sergeant Daly was recommended for the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM). The action for which he was commended was:

-‘For consistently good work and devotion to duty from 25 February to 16 September 1918 as Pay Sgt. Irrespective of the tactical position of the Battalion, Sgt DALY has, in addition to his ordinary duties, been a very valuable asset to the men of the Battalion advising and assisting them in all business and financial matters and sparing himself in no way whatever in order to be of any use or assistance in his capacity to the welfare of the Battalion. When out of the line he is indefatigable in organising sports and assisting in the carrying out of same, as well as all classes of recreational training. His work in this capacity alone has made him a very valuable asset to the Battalion.

Signed, Major-General Commanding 1st Australian Division’

This recommendation was approved on 17 January 1918:

-‘His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the Meritorious Service Medal to the undermentioned in recognition of valuable services rendered with the Armies in France and Flanders.’

On 18 March 1919, Sergeant Daly, MSM, returned to Australia on the Kildonian Castle.

Edward Daly settled back into civilian life in Ballarat, where he remained until his death on 12 November 1972, aged 82 years. He was buried in the Ballarat New Cemetery. He never married.