Tag Archives: Warren War Memorial

Darcy KEATING

Per his military service record (regimental no. 384), Darcy Keating was born at Warren, N.S.W. He gave his age as 21 years and 6 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as laborer. His description on his medical was height 5 feet 8 inches tall, weight 11 stone 13 lbs., with a fair complexion, grey eyes, and fair hair. His religious denomination was Roman Catholic. He claimed that he had no previous military service. He completed his medical on the 16^th October 1915 at Wellington (while the Coo-ees were in Wellington), and was attested at Mumbil on the 19^th October 1915 by Captain Nicholas.

After completing the march he went to Liverpool Camp as reinforcement for the 1^st Light Horse Regiment. Shortly after he was transferred to the Cyclist Training Battalion as reinforcement for the 1^st Anzac Cyclist Battalion.

On his embarkation roll his address at time of enrolment was Chester Street, Warren, N.S.W., and his next of kin is listed as father, T. Keating, Chester Street, Warren, N.S.W.

On 3^rd May 1916 Private Keating departed Sydney on the HMAT A46 Clan McGillivray, arriving in Egypt on the 13^th June 1916. On the 5^th July 1916 he was taken on strength of the 1^st Division Base Depot at Tel El Kebir.

On the 1^st August 1916 Private Keating departed Alexandria for England aboard the HMT Lake Manitoba. Private Keating marched into the Pioneer Training Battalion at Parkhouse, England, on the 19^th August 1916. On the 7^th September 1916 Private Keating was transferred to the 1^st Training Battalion at Perham Downs, England.

On the 8^th of October 1916 Private Keating departed England for France. Private Keating marched into the 1^st Division Base Depot at Etaples on the 9^th October 1916. On the 29^th October 1916 Private Keating left Etaples to join the 4^th Australian Infantry Battalion, marching in on the 5^th November 1916 whilst the Battalion was in the trenches at Deville Wood, France.

On the 6^th May 1917 when the Battalion was engaged in action at Bullecourt, France, Private Keating received a gun shot wound to his neck and left hand. He was evacuated to the 5^th Field Ambulance, then on the 7^th May he was sent to the 5^th Casualty Clearing Station, and on the 8^th May he was sent back to the 3^rd General Hospital at Le Treport, France. On the 14^th May 1916 he was transferred to the 3^rd Convalescent Depot. On the 7^th May 1916 Private Keating marched into the 1^st Division Base Depot. On 21^st June 1917 he marched out to rejoin his Battalion, arriving on the 26^th June 1917 whilst the 4^th Battalion was training at Buire, France.

On the 15^th July 1917 Private Keating was promoted to Lance Corporal. On the 11^th September 1917 Lance Corporal Keating was detached from the Battalion for duty with the C.R.E. He rejoined the Battalion on the 19^th September 1917.

On the 4^th October 1917 the Battalion was engaged in an attack at Broodseinde Ridge, Belgium. During this battle Lance Corporal Keating went missing in action. A Court of Enquiry later declared him killed in action, on 16^th March 1918.

Lance Corporal Keating has no known grave and his name is remembered on the Menin Gate Memorial at Ieper (Ypres), Belgium.

Darcy Keating’s name is also listed on the Warren War Memorial.