Honouring Major Hugh Quinn

Published on 29 May 2025

The life and decorated service of Charters Towers born Major Hugh Quinn (1888-1915) is being remembered with the return of Major Hugh Quinn’s The 1914-1915 Star medal to the Charters Towers community, thanks to the generosity of Steven and Elaine Fountaine.

The 1914-1915 Star medal was posthumously awarded to Major Quinn in recognition of his sacrifice and bravery. The 1914-1915 Star medal honours the courage and determination of troops who fought in significant battles in World War I.

Mr and Mrs Fountaine made contact with Mayor Liz Schmidt and have donated The 1914-1915 Star medal to the Charters Towers Regional Council to remain in perpetuity in the Charters Towers community. 

Found at the Portobello Markets in London, The 1914-1915 Star medal has been donated back to the people of Charters Towers.

The 1914-1915 Star medal, a photograph and information about Major Quinn have been mounted in a frame and will be on display in the foyer of the Charters Towers Regional Council’s Administration Centre

“It is wonderful for us to have The 1914-1915 Star medal returned to the community. We're very excited to tell Major Quinn’s story and display The 1914-1915 Star in his hometown,” said Mayor Liz Schmidt.

Mayor Schmidt recently met with military personnel in Townsville who were very pleased to hear of the medal and the donation to the local community.

“It's such a privilege to have seen this memoir from Major Quinn who was born in Charters Towers, who fought in World War One and died at Gallipoli.  It is just a remarkable example for us to reflect upon, in terms of his courage and his tenacity,” said Brigadier McLennan.

“It’s just fantastic and what a treasure that this medal has come back to Charters Towers, back to Major Quinn's birthplace. And I'm sure the council is going to put it in pride of place.”

The framed display, featuring Major Quinn’s medal and story, will initially be showcased at Council’s Administration Centre before being relocated to a permanent public location within the community, where it will be accessible for all to view and reflect upon.

29 May, 2025 commemorates 110 years since Major Hugh Quinn was killed in action at Gallipoli, Turkey on 29 May 1915.

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