William James HARRIS

Regimental number1626
Place of birthStansbury South Australia
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationLabourer
Addressc/o Mrs W J Evans, Millicent, South Australia
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation27
Next of kinSister, Miss Mary C Harris, Hyde Park, South Australia
Enlistment date30 April 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name27th Battalion, 1st Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/44/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAT A2 Geelong on 31 May 1915
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll27th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Work at Westhoek on 20 September 1917.
Recommendation date: 24 September 1917

FateReturned to Australia 3 March 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'On 20th September 1917, East of WESTHOEK, this soldier displayed great courage and initiative in mopping up enemy posts, particularly the concrete 'Pill-boxes'. After the caputre of objective he acted as Company runner and although wounded, refused to leave the unit, and continued to carry messages between Company and Battalion Headquarters through the enemy's barrage line.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31
Date: 7 March 1918

Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death4 November 1976
Age at death87
Place of burialBethany Wesleyan Methodist Cemetery, McLaren Vale, South Australia