Bill McCann

William Francis James McCann: A Soldier’s Journey

Imagine a soldier whose life story is woven with threads of bravery, leadership, and dedication—Lieutenant Colonel William Francis James McCann was such a man.

The Call to Arms

In 1914, when the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) was called upon to defend its nation, did McCann hesitate? No. He enlisted and quickly rose through the ranks during World War I, becoming a scouting and intelligence officer for his battalion on the Western Front.

The Battlefields of France

When the bulk of the AIF was transferred to the Western Front, Mccann shipped out to France as a scouting and intelligence officer for his battalion. Can you imagine the courage it took to face such daunting challenges? He commanded a guard of honour and later led his company during the Battle of Pozières on July 23, 1916, where he received the Military Cross for his actions.

The Wounds of War

After recovering from his wounds, did McCann return to England to rest? Not at all. He attended an investiture at Buckingham Palace and received his award in October 1916 but was medically classified for repatriation. However, he ignored orders and returned to France in November.

The Battles of Arras and Passchendaele

In April 1917, McCann led the attack on Louverval Wood during the Battle of Arras and was wounded in the neck. Despite his injuries, he remained with his troops for several hours and inspired them. He later rejoined his unit at the end of May and assumed command of A Company.

The Hundred Days Offensive

During the capture of Merris in July, did McCann’s company sever German lines of communication? Yes, they did, resulting in the award of a bar to McCann’s Military Cross. On 10 August, during the Hundred Days Offensive, he commanded A Company in clearing Crépey Wood and established posts in the wood, holding off multiple counter-attacks.

The Return Home

After a German barrage fell on his positions, did McCann face an overwhelming number of enemy soldiers? Yes, but he successfully defended his post. The 10th Battalion returned to action on 22–23 August as part of supporting role protecting the flank of the 1st Brigade.

The Post-War Life

Mccann received his Distinguished Service Order and Military Cross at Buckingham Palace on May 3, 1919. He embarked for Australia in June and was discharged from the AIF on September 8, 1919. After the war, he resigned from the Education Department in November 1919 and began farming but abandoned this plan due to his injuries.

A New Chapter

He became an articled clerk, married Mildred Southcott, and had two sons and a daughter. In 1921, he began studying law at the University of Adelaide and was elected president of the state branch of the RSSILA in 1924. He was admitted to the Bar on July 25, 1925, and went into partnership with Arthur Blackburn.

Service and Legacy

Mccann was an active member of the Big Brother Movement in South Australia, supporting British migrant boys under the Child Migrant scheme. He commanded the 43rd Battalion until 1930 and continued as president of the RSSILA until 1931. During World War II, he commanded a special constabulary, raised the RSSILA Volunteer Defence Corps, and chaired the Fighting Forces Comfort Fund.

The Final Years

After the war, his home was set alight due to his investigations into black marketeering, leading to a man being convicted. McCann died of coronary disease in 1957 and was awarded several honors including Companion of St Michael and St George.

William Francis James McCann’s life was a testament to courage, leadership, and unwavering dedication. His journey from a soldier on the Western Front to a respected barrister and community leader is a story that continues to inspire us today.