William WADE

Regimental number1021
Place of birthNew Zealand
SchoolMarist Brothers (Catholic) School, New Zealand
Age on arrival in Australia21
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationTelegraphist
Addressc/o Mrs W Harnett, George Road, Fairlie, New Zealand
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation21
Next of kinMother, Mrs W Harnett, George Road, Fairlie, New Zealand
Previous military serviceServed in the Territorials.
Enlistment date10 February 1915
Rank on enlistmentSapper
Unit nameSignal Troop 4
AWM Embarkation Roll number22/22/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A31 Ajana on 31 May 1915
Rank from Nominal RollStaff Sergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll4th Divisional Signal Company
FateDied of wounds 21 October 1917
Place of death or woundingFrance
Age at death24
Place of burialMenin Road Military Cemetery (Plot III, Row L, Grave 37), Ypres, Belgium
Panel number, Roll of Honour,
  Australian War Memorial
26
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Mother: Winifred HARNETT (formely WADE)
Medals

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. While repairing cables, the N.C.O. in charge was wounded. He promptly took charge, and, with utter disregard for personal danger, directed their work from crater to crater. He worked his party under continuous shell fire, and completed his task. He maintained these communications for five successive days.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 95
Date: 27 June 1918

Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Medals: Distinguished Conduct Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal