b. ? 1878 Ireland. d. 08/06/1934 Brisbane, Queensland.
DATE OF EM ACTION: 12/07/1918 Mount Morgan Mine, Brisbane, Queensland.
Michael was born in c.1878 probably in Ireland to William and Bridget Fogarty (nee O’Meara). It is unknown when the Fogarty’s emigrated to Australia, and the first trace of Michael is in 1912, when he is living in Red Hill, Mount Morgan, Brisbane, close to the Mount Morgan Mine, with his new wife, Nellie (nee Walker). He and Nellie would have four daughters (Mary Vera, Nellie, Ursula Joan and Edna. Following the award of the Edward Medal, Michael remained in mining, moving around a little. In 1925, he and his family were living in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, before moving to Grange Road in Brisbane by 1931. Michael died on 8th June 1934 aged 56 and was buried in Toowong Cemetery. His wife was later buried with him on her death in 1965.
EM CITATION:
On the 12th July, 1918, Fogarty and another miner named Fred Joga were blasting in the Mount Morgan Mine, Brisbane. Having inserted the charges, Joga lit the fuzes, the last of which, however, did not light properly; Fogarty had already gone to a place of safety, but Joga remained behind attempting to light the last fuze. Fogarty was not aware of this until the first charge exploded. He then at once called to Duller, and both men went back to the face, where, as they knew, two charges were still unexploded, to rescue Joga. They found him about six feet from the face, and just succeeded in dragging him clear when the second charge exploded. Joga, unfortunately, died from the injuries he had received by the explosion of the first charge. Both men undoubtedly risked their lives in the attempt to save Joga’s life.
BURIAL LOCATION: TOOWONG CEMETERY, BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA.
SECTION 15A, ROW 3 GRAVE 10.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.
