Three wards in a new wing under construction at WA’s Hollywood Private Hospital will be named after the state’s war heroes.
The wards will be named after Victoria Cross recipients Lawrence McCarthy (1892-1975) and Martin O’Meara (1885-1935) and George Cross recipient Arthur Bagot (1888-1979).
Hollywood Chief Executive Officer, Peter Mott, said naming the wards after war heroes helped keep the memories of those veterans alive, and further bolstered Hollywood’s strong military connection.
“Many of our wards are named after Western Australians who were recipients of Victoria Cross or George Cross medals of honour,” Mr Mott said.
Laurence McCarthy fought in Gallipoli and on the Western Front. While fighting in France in 1918, McCarthy is credited with the most effective piece of individual fighting in the history of the Australian Imperial Force.
Martin O’Meara fought in WWI on the Western Front in Belgium and France. During four days of heavy fighting, Private O’Meara repeatedly brought in wounded officers and men from “no man’s land” under intense machine-gun fire. He also carried ammunition and bombs to the trenches, which were being heavily shelled.
Arthur Bagot was a lieutenant in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve during WWI. He and Lieutenant Roban Hoare battled flames to remove depth charges from a ship after its engine room exploded. The pair were credited with potentially saving lives by preventing a further explosion.
The Returned & Services League of Australia WA Branch Veterans Liaison Officer, John McPherson praised Hollywood Private hospital for naming the wards after WA war heroes.
“The names of these brave men will become known to our younger generations as the years go by,” Mr McPherson said.
