KIA

John was born at Learmonth, VIC in 1889 to Neil McLachlan and Mary Jane Griffiths. John had a brother, Neil, also killed in action, who is also remembered in the Avenue.

John was a labourer and gave his address as C/- W Shaw, Gellibrand St, Williamstown, Vic. when he enlisted in the AIF, 12^th Reinforcements, 22^nd Battalion on the 1^st of February 1916, aged 26. He embarked aboard the HMAT A14 Euripides in April, eventually disembarking in England some time later.

Neil joined his unit in France in early October but was admitted to the 2^nd Stationary Hospital, Abbeville, France three weeks later, suffering from scabies. Less than a week after being discharged from hospital, a few days later John was killed in action.

McLachlan was returning from fatigue duty at Brigade Headquarters about 3.30 when he was hit by a shell and killed instantaneously. I was walking behind and saw this.

Source: L/Cpl Sutherland 2399

... His mates buried him in a shell hole just behind the support trench. ... We came over together on the SS Euripedes ...

Source: A Johnson 4734

He is listed on the Bacchus Marsh & District Roll of Honour, the Roll of Honour for pupils of Parwan State School, the Williamstown Honour Board and the Meredith & District Roll of Honor.

John is also remembered in the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, France.

Notes

1. His Service Number should be 4767