John Clement McFarlane | Bacchus Marsh Avenue Of Honour

Commander John Clement McFarlane

Service No.:

Unit:

HMAS Sydney
HMAS Brisbane

Tree No.:

S180

Planted by:

H Marchant

Image of plaque on tree S180 for John Clement McFarlane

See Notes (1)

Service Medals - unknown

John was born at West Melbourne, VIC on the 20^th of April 1887 to John McFarlane and Ellen Mahoney. He is the grandson of Cornelius Mahoney who had another grandson, Clive Hopkins (KIA), who is also remembered in the Avenue.

commemorative medallion was struck by the Navy to recognise Australia’s first naval fight — Medallions struck⁽⁴⁾
for those *Sydney* crewmen
who took part in the
*Sydney* - *Emden* engagement
Courtesy of the
Australian Navy

John was appointed as a Gunner in the Australian Permanent Naval Forces (PNF) on the 11^th of October 1912 in London, England. He joined the newly commissioned HMAS Sydney in June 1913 and returned to Australia. At the outbreak of war he was involved in operations against German Pacific territories. In November 1914 the Sydney engaged and captured the German raider Emden near the Cocos Islands. In November 1915 he was promoted to Mate⁽²⁾⁽³⁾.

In October 1917 John was transferred to the HMAS Brisbane where he was promoted to Lieutenant. In May 1919 he spent three months with the HMAS Melbourne before returning to the Brisbane where he remained until June 1921 when he transferred to Auxiliary Services.

John was promoted to Lieutenant Commander in 1925 and appointed Honorary Aide-de-camp to the Governor General for three years. In 1928 the appointment was extended for a further three years. In 1929 he was District Naval Officer for Tasmania and then, until 1931 for Queensland. Also in 1931 he was promoted to Commander and his appointment as Aide-de-camp was extended for a further three years - and again in 1934.

In 1942 John was District Naval Officer for Victoria before being transferred to the Retired List - he was removed from the Navy List in 1956.

John died at Kyneton, VIC in 1974, aged 87.

He is listed on the Bacchus Marsh & District Roll of Honour.

Notes

He did not have Service Number 4190 - this belongs to H G McFarlane
The Bacchus Marsh Express of 23 Oct 1915 reports that he was a Warrant Officer and torpedo instructor aboard the Sydney.
The Bacchus Marsh Express 19 Feb 1916
In 1918 a commemorative medallion was struck by the Navy to recognise Australia’s first naval fight. The centre-piece for this medallion consisted of a Mexican silver dollar, of which some 6429 were recovered from the wreck of Emden.
Presented by Captain Glossop to the officers and men of the Sydney who were on board at the time of the engagement.

Location of Tree Number S180

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Tree Position (accuracy ±1 tree) -37.68668465397092, 144.46454550239292

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Commander John Clement McFarlane

Notes

Location of Tree Number S180

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