Cornelius Michael McMahon MM (SN 13045) born at Cope Cope near Donald, was a 21 year old blacksmith when he enlisted in Ballarat on July 14th 1915. He trained with the Medical Corps before embarking on June 3rd 1916 aboard the Runic. Attached to the 12th Field Ambulance he reached France in October. He had some bouts of illness but avoided battle wounds despite his bravery that earned him a Military Medal for gallantry and devotion to duty in rescuing wounded soldiers while under fire at St. Quentin in September 1918. He returned home on nursing duty aboard the Shropshire, embarked at Melbourne on May 16th 1919 and was discharged shortly after.

Lucas’s Staffs Appreciation of Brave Men, the original Avenue register, records his name as Connie McMahon.