Ancestor Details
Name of Ancestor: John Sylvester Dooley
Ancestor's date of birth: 30/10/1874
Ancestor's date of death: Detail not provided
Cause of Death: Detail not provided
Service Number: 477
Colony or State of enlistment: NSW, Place of Enlistment: Berry
Unit: New South Wales Lancers
Rank attained in Boer War: SGT, Date Effective: 1898
Highest Rank attained (if served after war): MAJ, Date Effective: 05/02/1917
Murray Page: 10
Contingent: First New South Wales
Ship: Nineveh, Date of Sailing: 09/10/1899 (from the UK)
Memorial details: Commemorated in the New South Wales Lancers Memorial Museum, Parramatta.
Decorations: Military Cross, Queen's South Africa Medal with clasps, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal.
Personal Characteristics: Very brave and competent soldier.
Reasons to go and fight: Was a Lancer before the conflict and has travelled to Aldershot in March 1899 to train with British regular cavalry.
Details of service in war: From November 1899 in northern Cape Colony where as a member of the "Fighting 29" he took part in the battle of Belmont, the first combat engagement by Australian troops from an Australian (albeit NSW Colonial) unit, Free State, and east Transvaal; with French's cavalry division from relief of Kimberley (February 1900) to sweep to Heidelberg (October 1900).
Service and life after the Boer War: John Dooley returned to Australia in December 1900 with the other Lancers, just in time for the celebration of Federation parades. Was married to Mary. He joined the AIF with the rank of captain departing with the 4th reinforcement draft for 19 Inf Bn from Sydney, on board HMAT A8 Argyllshire on 30 September 1915. For an action near Flers on 14 November 1916, he was awarded the Military Cross, the citation stating "'For conspicuous gallantry in action. He handled his company with great courage and initiative. When his trench was subjected to a heavy bombardment he moved his men forward into shell craters, thereby saving many casualties.". When promoted major on 5 February 1917, he was posted to 22 Inf Bn. Wounded 19 May 1918. He returned to Australia 23 July 1918. A farmer at Farm 370, Leeton, New South Wales.
Descendant Details
Name of Descendant: Louise Mary Dooley, Yarralumla ACT
Relationship to Ancestor: GranddaughterName of Descendant: John Patrick Carroll, Cadstone VIC
Relationship to Ancestor: Great nephew by marriage
