Published on Thursday, 24 April 2025 at 5:00:00 PM
The City was honoured to receive the war medals of the late James ‘Digger’ O’Loughlin, a decorated World War I veteran and beloved community figure. Digger served with the 11th Battalion on the Western Front and was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his bravery in combat and actions in disabling an enemy machine gun post on his own.
Beyond his military service, he was a deeply respected member of the Kalgoorlie-Boulder community. He served six years on the Kalgoorlie Municipal Council and helped establish the Railways Institute Bowling Club, becoming its founding President. He was also a long-time member of the Kalgoorlie Railway Institute and brought the community together through Sunday night dances to raise funds for the club.
His grandsons Michael, Peter and Paul travelled to Kalgoorlie-Boulder to meet with Mayor Wilson and the City's History and Heritage team to donate his medals, which will now be preserved and displayed at the Goldfields War Museum. We thank the O’Loughlin family for helping us honour and share Digger's legacy.
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