The AIF Project

William Robert FOWLER

Regimental number1797
Place of birthNeerim Victoria
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationFarmer
AddressWillowgrove, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation20
Next of kinFather, Israel Fowler, Willowgrove, Victoria
Enlistment date15 January 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name23rd Battalion, 2nd Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/40/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A64 Demosthenes on 16 July 1915
Rank from Nominal RollCorporal
Unit from Nominal Roll6th Light Trench Mortar Battery
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


For distingushed service and gallantry in action near Bullecourt, when he continued to serve his mortor throughout the day and night until relieved at dawn.
Recommendation date: 12 May 1917

FateEffective abroad (still overseas)
Medals

Military Medal

'The above men [FOWLER, 970 W. PARSONS, 844 R.C. LAING, 1981 G. NELSON, 3798 P.J. COUCH, 4470 D. McQUEEN, 4509 R.G. McSHANE] distinguished themselves in action in the captured trenches near BULLECOURT on 3rd May 1917, by the gallantry and determination with which they continued to serve their mortars throughout the day and night until relieved at dawn on the 5th. On no occasion was a request for fire not complied with, though the battery suffered severe losses (over half its numbers). No chance of observing fire or getting targets was thrown away and the casualties the Battery inflicted on the enemy were certainly very heavy. On one occasion a hostile party was barraged first in front, then in rear, and when brought to halt blown out without a survivor. In this the above N.C.O.s and men played a prominent part.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 189
Date: 8 November 1917

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