John Joseph McGrath photographs and correspondence
Collection
Photographs and correspondence relating to the First World War service of John Joseph McGrath of the 2nd Australian Remount Unit. The collection includes a photograph album of scenes in Egypt and the Sinai, as well as loose photographs, postcards and correspondence which McGrath sent to his family and sweetheart, Bertha Vellnagel, in Brisbane, Queensland.
John Joseph (Jack) McGrath (service no. 2788) was born in Brisbane on 6 April 1896, being the youngest son of Jeremiah McGrath and Ellen Thompson. He was a 21 year old horse breaker when he enlisted on the 20 December 1915. He embarked from Sydney on the ship 'Osterley' on 15 January 1916 and served with the Australian Remount Unit 2, Reinforcement 3, in the Middle East. McGrath returned to Australia in July 1919 and worked as a motor driver. On 6 February 1922 he married his wartime sweetheart, Bertha Minna Louise Vellnagel. He died on 14 March 1939. Bertha died on 27 December 1975.
Out of copyright.