Do you know more? You can share your personal stories and photos on the ANZAC Centenary website.
John Alexander McKinnon (SN 495) was born in Geelong but attended the Humffray Street State School in Ballarat. He enlisted in Ballarat on 2nd September 1914 as a 19 year old single carpenter. He was posted to the 8th Infantry Battalion and sailed with the first Anzac fleet. In August 1915 he was wounded at Gallipoli but recovered and rejoined his unit.
After Gallipoli he was transferred to the 60th Infantry Battalion and promoted to Company Sergeant Major before moving to France. He was killed in action at Fromelles on 19th July 1916, has no known grave and his name is on the VC Corner Australian Cemetery & Memorial, Fromelles France.