McNamara: Richard Andrew
Born in Coromandel Valley, South Australia on 10th November 1885 to Michael and Ann McNamara, Richard was one of four brothers to enlist during the First World War.
He was working as a labourer at Kalgoorlie, Western Australia when he enlisted on 30th August 1915 at Blackboy Hill, Perth, WA. His papers state that Richard stood 5’9” (175cm), weighed 154lbs (70kg), had brown eyes, dark hair and was a Roman Catholic.
Trooper 1634 McNamara was a reinforcement for the 10th Light Horse Regiment (LHR) and he embarked for overseas service aboard the RMS Mongolia, leaving Fremantle, WA on 20th November 1915.
After arriving in Egypt in early 1916, he saw action with the 10th LHR in Palestine during 1916 and 1917. In December 1916, he was promoted to Lance-Corporal.
His Regiment took part in action against the Turks at Gaza on 19th April 1917 where Lance Corporal McNamara was reported as being killed near Munbela. His body remained unburied for several months, possibly due to the nature of the battle. It wasn’t until later that Richard was properly buried by Indian troops on 15th November 1917.
Richard’s medals and memorial plaque were sent to his elder brother, James, some time between 1921 and 1923, both parents having passed away.
Richard McNamara’s name is listed on Coromandel Valley Public School’s Roll of Honour and the War Memorial.
Research by Geoff Lock, 2015
