Private Corcoran was the son of Thomas and Susan Corcoran, of Greymouth, New Zealand, brother of Thomas John Corcoran, Serial No 26/989, brother-in-law of Joseph Mahon, Serial No 12/373 and brother-in-law of William Reston Hamilton, Serial No 9/285

He was a friend of Stephen Ralph Mills, Serial No 32958,and, as can be seen by the closeness of serial numbers, they enlisted together. Ralph (as he was known) wrote a letter home to Michael's sister Cecelia (Cis) after Michael's death detailing some of the circumstances around Michael's death, i.e. Michael was a company cook delivering food to the front line when he fell victim to shelling.

The photo is of Michael (sitting) and 2 mates. It is believed, though not confirmed, that one of the mates is Stephen Ralph Mills, Serial No 32958

The Group Photo of soldiers on the road has come from family archives and has simply 'Mick & Tom' written on the back. No one has successfully identified either Tom or Mick nor any other member of the group. It is further believed that Mick & Tom did not serve together at any stage. Service records show Tom was en route back to Britain to take up a training position with the NZ Machine Gun Corps when Mick was killed.

Embarked Wellington, 15 November 1916; disembarked Devonport, England, 29 January 1917, and marched in to Sling Camp.
Marched out to Canterbury Infantry Regiment, 4th NZ Infantry Brigade, Sling Camp, 30 March 1917; joined 2nd Bn, Canterbury Infantry Regiment, 2 April 1917.
Proceeded overseas to France, 28 May 1917.
Wounded in action (slight); remained at duty, 11 June 1917.
Appointed Company Cook, 17 August 1917; relinquished appointment as Cook, 29 November 1917.
Killed in action, Belgium, 29 November 1917.

Parents: Thomas and Susan Corcoran, Greymouth AWMM