Michael Vincent Dooley

Story:
Michael Vincent Dooley was born in Rushworth, Victoria, Australia, on 9th May 1894, the son of John Michael (Jack) Dooley and Annie Teresa Dooley (née McArdle).  He lived all his early life in Rushworth. At the outbreak of the First World War he enlisted in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, and joined the Australian Imperial Force on 15th May 1915 as a Private (Service No. 171). He left Australia on 8th May 1915 and served thereon in Egypt, France and Flanders, eventually finishing in the UK where he was discharged in London on 31st October 1919.  During his Military Service he had been initially with the 24th Battalion 'A' Company but was later transferred to the Australian Provost Corps and rose in ranks to Sergeant. 

On his discharge he was awarded the Victory and British War medals as well as the 1915 Star. At this time he met Flossie Phillips whose parents, Harry and Amelia Phillips, lived in Shaftesbury, Dorset. He eventually married Flossie on 6th October 1919 at Holy Trinity Church, Shaftesbury.  They took up residence at the Knowles Arms, Salisbury Street, Shaftesbury, as evidenced by the 1921 Census. By the time of the 1939 Register he was still living at Knowles Arms Cafe, Salisbury Street, Shaftesbury, described as a Bacon Curer and he was also a member of the Auxiliary Fire Service during World War Two. Flossie died in 1970 and was buried locally on 29th December 1970.  Michael then returned to Australia to live with his brother in Caulfield, Victoria, Australia, until his death on 2nd August 1972 and subsequent burial at Bendigo, Victoria, Australia, on 7th August 1972.