O'FARRELL, Donald Sylvester

Donald was born to John and Lydia O’Farrell in the Warialda District where his birth was registered in 1894. He was a Labourer at Graman near Inverell when he enlisted in Sydney in August 1916 and joined the 18th Battalion, 18th Reinforcement, leaving Australia on HMAT A29 Suevic in November.

Donald became ill during the voyage to England and was disembarked at Cape Town where he was admitted to hospital with mumps.   A month later he resumed the voyage and arrived in England in February 1917.

After further training he was sent to France in June. Just three months later he was wounded in action and returned to England where he was admitted to 4th London General Hospital with a gun shot wound to his leg. Donald returned to France in February 1918 and appointed Lance Corporal. He became ill in August and was invalided back to England again. Following his return to Australia he was medically discharged in July 1919.

After arriving home a ‘Welcome Home’ was held at Little Plain during which he was presented with a gold inscribed medal pinned on his uniform by his Mother. Donald joined the NSW Police Force in 1924 and served at Glen Innes and Maclean NSW. He died in 1971.

Donald O’Farrell has his name inscribed on the Delungra Roll of Honor and the new memorial gate at Anzac Park Delungra NSW.