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William Gregory Brennan (1894–1915)

Tho first Wellington soldier to sacrifice his life on the battlefield at Gallipoli is Private W. [William Gregory] Brennan, son of Mr and Mrs. W. C. Brennan, of Montefiores. On Tuesday, Monsignor Long received a telegram from the Defence Department stating that Private Brennan had died on the 24th July as a result of wounds received in action; and asked him to break the news to the parents. As the Monsignor was unwell, the painful task was delegated to Father Eviston, who informed Mr. and Mrs. Brennan of the fate that had befallen their son. It came as a greater shock as it was only the previous day that his mother received a letter from him, in which he wrote cheerfully of the happenings around him. Several friends also received cards from him on Monday, and this made the news that he had been killed all the more painful. When it became known that Private Brennan had fallen on the battlefield, general regret was expressed, and the deepest sympathy was felt with the bereaved parents, who, have, however consolation that he died nobly doing his duty. The dead soldier was only about 23 years of age, and was well and favorably known in the town and district. He was for a time employed in the local post office and was held in high esteem by his brother officials and the public with whom he came in contact. Mr. and Mrs. Brennan have the deep sympathy of all in the loss they have sustained.

Original publication

Additional Resources

Citation details

'Brennan, William Gregory (1894–1915)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/brennan-william-gregory-18198/text29773, accessed 29 March 2024.

© Copyright Obituaries Australia, 2010-2024

William Brennan, n.d.

William Brennan, n.d.

Australian War Memorial, P04080-003

Life Summary [details]

Birth

1894
Montefiores, New South Wales, Australia

Death

24 July, 1915 (aged ~ 21)
Dardanelles, Turkey

Cause of Death

war wounds

Religious Influence

Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.

Education
Occupation
Military Service