Matthew Fitzpatrick was a 25 year old labourer from Cambridge, Tasmania when he was taken on as a gunner on 2 February 1916. He was eventually allotted to the 15th Field Artillery Brigade. On arrival in Egypt he joined the Artillery Training School at Tel-el-Kebir remaining there until 1 August 1916 when he embarked for England.
Having completed further training in England Gunner Fitzpatrick passed through the Bull Ring at Etaples on his way to being taken on strength with the 5th Division Trench Mortar Brigade.
On 25 October 1916 Gunner Fitzpatrick was wounded in action receiving severe shrapnel wounds to his right leg. After passing through the system he was finally evacuated to England on 5 November where he was admitted to the 5th Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Dartford.
It was not until 20 April 1918 that he was considered fit enough to return to the front, proceeding to France on 5 May 1918. Eleven days later he was taken on strength with the Australian Corps Heavy Trench Mortar Battery where he remained until 20 November when he was transferred to the 3,d Army Brigade Heavy Trench Mortar Battery.
Gunner Matthew Fitzpatrick returned to Australia in June 1919. He returned to the family home living with his parents and later his two nieces who later moved to North Hobart.
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