Michael GLEESON
Per his military service record (Depot), Michael Gleeson was born at South Melbourne, Victoria.[1] He gave his age as 42 years and 4 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as labourer. His description on his Certificate of Medical Examination was height 5 feet 7 inches tall, weight 151 lbs., with a medium complexion, blue eyes, and brown hair. His religious denomination was Roman Catholic. He claimed that he had no previous military service.
His next of kin on his Attestation paper was listed as his sister, Mrs Julia Kreiger, 38 Mountain Street, South Melbourne.
Michael Gleeson was named in an article titled ‘Blayney recruits’ in The Leader as one of six men who have joined ‘as a result of the visit of the Coo-ees to Blayney’.[2]
He completed his medical examination at Blayney on 26th October 1915, and was attested by Captain A. C. Eade that same day at Blayney. The Coo-ees had held a recruiting meeting, and stayed overnight at Blayney on 26th October 1915.
After completing the Coo-ee March he went to Liverpool Camp as reinforcement for the 13th Battalion.
On 2nd December 1915 Private Gleeson was charged for being absent from parade without leave.
On 3rd December 1915 he was charged with being under the influence of liquor in company lines.
He then went absent without leave until 9 a.m. on 13th December 1915. He was recommended to be discharged.
On 14th December 1915 he was discharged from the A.I.F. not likely to become an efficient soldier.
[1] NAA: B2455, GLEESON M
[2] BLAYNEY RECRUITS (1915, October 29). Leader (Orange, NSW : 1912 – 1922), p. 8. Retrieved April 1, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article117842821
1915 Coo-ee March 