| Regimental number | 683 |
| Date of birth | |
| Place of birth | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Occupation | Clerk |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 27 |
| Height | 5' 10.5" |
| Weight | 140 lbs |
| Next of kin | Brother, V Lynas, Ford & Dwyer Street, Perth, Western Australia |
| Previous military service | Nil |
| Enlistment date | |
| Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll | |
| Place of enlistment | Helena Vale, Western Australia |
| Rank on enlistment | Lance Corporal |
| Unit name | 16th Battalion, A Company |
| AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/33/1 |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A40 Ceramic on |
| Rank from Nominal Roll | Captain |
| Unit from Nominal Roll | 16th Battalion |
| Promotions |
2nd Lieutenant Unit: 16th Battalion Promotion date: Lieutenant Unit: 16th Battalion Promotion date: Captain Unit: 16th Battalion Promotion date: |
| Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Mention in Despatches Awarded, and promulgated, 'Commonwealth Gazette' No 61, 23 May 1919. |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Place of burial | Nullagine Cemetery, Western Australia |
| Panel number, Roll of Honour, Australian War Memorial | 79 |
| Medals |
Military Cross 'For conspicuous gallantry as Intelligence Officer during operations. He personally reconnoitred at great risk all the area to be covered by the advance and later after the successful attack, he reconnoitred the front and kept the brigade fully informedof the situation. He was instrumental in capturing 30 unwounded prisoners.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 62 Date: Bar to Military Cross 'For conspicuous gallantry in action. He carried out several most valuable reconnaissances under heavy fire, displaying great courage and coolness. Later he rendered valuable services in reorganizing the line and leading stretcher parties.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 62 Date: 2nd Bar to Military Cross 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in charge of a raid. Previous to the raid he made personal reconnaissances and preparations which greatly contributed to its success. In the raid itself five prisoners and three machine guns were captured, four machine guns and several dug-outs destroyed, and about 50 of the enemy killed. He rendered most valuable service, and showed fine courage and leadership.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 23 Date: Distinguished Service Order 'For remarkable courage and leadership during an attack. He supervised the placing of the men on the "jumping off" line, and though wounded in two places just after zero, he nevertheless led his company to the assault. He was then again wounded, but refused to go back until the position was taken. Of seven machine guns and four trench mortars captured by his company he took several himself, and personally inflicted many casualties on the enemy.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No 23 Date: |
| Discharge date | |
| Other details |
War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front Embarked Alexandria to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, Gallipoli, 12 April 1915. Transferred to Egypt, 12 September 1915, and admitted to 15th General Hospital, Alexandria 17 September 1915 (tubercle of lung, debility); transferred to Mustapha Convalescent Camp, 21 September 1915; rejoined unit, Mudros, 11 October 1915. Disembarked Alexandria, 30 December 1915 (general Gallipoli evacuation). Promoted 2nd Lieutenant, 20 January 1916. Embarked Alexandria to join the British Expeditionary Force, 1 June 1916; disembarked Marseilles, France, 8 June 1916. Promoted Lieutenant, 4 June 1916. Admitted to 2nd Canadian Field Ambulance, 1 September 1916 (exhaustion); discharged to duty, and rejoined Bn, 3 September 1916. Awarded Military Cross, in the field, 4 October 1916. Awarded Bar to Military Cross, 21 October 1916. Congratulated by Divisional Commander on having obtained a very satisfactort report at 9th Course, 4th Army Infantry School, 17 February 1917. Transferred to England (date unclear: c. March 1917). Promoted Captain, 22 April 1917. Rejoined Bn, in the field, 29 April 1917. Admitted to 2nd Anzac Officers' Rest Home, 30 August 1917 (debility); discharged to duty, 10 September 1917; rejoined Bn, in the field, 11 September 1917. Seconded for duty with 13th Training Bn, England, 28 November 1917. Proceeded overseas to France, 23 April 1918; rejoined Bn, in the field, 30 April 1918. Wounded in action, 4 July 1918 (remained at duty). Awarded 2nd Bar to Military Cross. Awarded Distinguished Service Order. Wounded in action (second occasion), 16 August 1918 (gassed), and admitted to 12th Australian Field Ambulance, and then to 55th Casualty Clearing Station; to Ambulance Train No 19, 16 August 1918, and admitted to 10th British Red Cross Hospital, Le Treport, 17 August 1918; transferred to Base Depot, Havre, 26 August 1918; rejoined Bn, in the field, 27 August 1918. On leave to England, 23 September 1918; rejoined Bn from leave, 11 October 1918. Marched out to England, 27 December 1918; marched in to Administrative Headquarters, London, 29 December 1918. Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Anchises', 28 February 1919 ('special reasons'); disembarked Albany, 7 April 1919; appointment terminated (discharged), 13 June 1919. Medals: Distinguished Service Order, Military Cross and 2 Bars, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
| Miscellaneous details | Name does not appear on Embarkation Roll. |
| Date of death | |
| Age at death | 61 |
| Place of burial | Nullagine Cemetery, Western Australia |
| Sources | NAA: B2455, LYNAS William James Dalton |
Postal Address:
Po Box 7916
Canberra BC 2610, Australia
Street Address:
Northcott Drive,
Campbell, ACT 2600
