Bernard Mulligan was admitted to hospital with an attack of pediculosis - an infestation of lice. He then developed pleurisy, which must have been a serious case to have him described as "seriously ill" in his home papers.
Advice has been received that Private Bernard Mulligan, who left with the Twentieth Reinforcements, has been dangerously ill in Trentham hospital. He has slightly improved, but is still seriously ill. -North Otago Times, 27/9/1916.
Mr H. Goodall's house at Oamaru was filled to overflowing last night, when a social was tendered to Private B. Mulligan, who is down on sick leave from Trentham. Besides a number of guests and relatives there was present a representative gathering of the people of the district. Mr G. Hill presided, and Mr H. Goodall made the presentation of an illuminated wristlet watch and a sovereign case. The patriotism and excellent qualities of Private Mulligan were dwelt on. For some years he had been in the employ of Messrs Craig and Co., but had responded to his country's call, and but for a serious illness which had overtaken him in camp he would ere this have been en route to the French front. He was now better and would be returning to camp on Friday. All wished him good luck and a safe return. Mr Hill apologised for the nonattendance of the Rev.J. A, Lochore, Mr C. Adams, and others. A most enjoyable gathering was brought to a close in the small hours of the morning. -Oamaru Mail, 9/11/1916.
Bernard was with the Otago Regiment in the last months of the war and his Company (8th) was involved in an attack on German positions near the village of Esnes in France. The action is described in the Regiment's Official History.
At an earlier stage it had been observed that the enemy was evacuating the village of Esnes in front, but that when the advance had temporarily halted parties had commenced to filter back. At 9.30 a.m. 8th and 10th Companies passed through 4th Company and continued the advance under cover of the artillery barrage. Rifle fire was encountered from the southern edge of Esnes, also from the high ground near the Esnes-Walincourt Road, and it was found necessary in consequence of the situation on the right to refuse that flank to the enemy. The 10th Company advanced and effected the clearance of the village of Esnes and established the line on the eastern and northern sides of it. In order to secure the right flank 14th Company was escheloned south of Esnes, and machine guns posted to command the valley still further to the south, and to deal with enemy machine gun fire from that flank. On the left, heavy fire was being encountered from the factory on the road between Esnes and Haucourt, and from the high ground south-east of Longsart. The established line now encircled the village of Esnes from its eastern side, and the attack had proved entirely successful.
IN MEMORIAM.
MULLIGAN. — In loving memory of Private Bernard Mulligan, killed in action in Esnes. October 8, 1918; aged 23 years. Rest in Peace.
If love and care could death prevent. Thy days would not so soon be spent;
Life was desired, but God did see, Eternal life was best for thee. -Oamaru Mail, 9/10/1919.
Oamaru Cemetery.
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