Contributed by Ron Inglis, October 2021:
Labourer Cecil Ross Quinn, 22, enlisted in June 1915 nominating his mother, Mrs Isabella Quinn of St Hilliers Road, Auburn, as his next-of-kin. He older brother, Private Leslie Quinn, also enlisted and even though they had previous military experience in the militia, they did not serve together in the AIF. Both brothers have brief service records.
Cecil served for some two months on Gallipoli, up to the evacuation in December 1915. Back in Egypt, he was posted to the 18th Battalion and he moved with them to France, arriving at the French port city of Marseilles in March 1916. His division moved by train to the Nursery Sector in northern France, but in July was brought back down to the Somme and launched into battle in July 1916.
Cecil was killed in action in August 1916 in the vicinity of Pozières. His body was never found, therefore his name is inscribed on the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux. In his time in the AIF, Cecil had no crimes, wounds or sicknesses.
The Quinn brothers’ widowed mother received their medals and was granted a pension as she was dependent on them.
See: 'Soldier brothers killed in action', The Sydney Morning Herald, Fri. 8 June 1917, p8.
Cecil Quinn is honoured on the following memorials in Australia:
- Auburn War Memorial
- Municipality of Auburn 1914-1919 Honour Roll
- Roll of Honour Australian War Memorial Canberra
His decorations:
- British War Medal 1914-20
- Victory Medal
- 1914-1915 Star
