The AIF Project

William Henry HOURIGAN

Regimental number719
Place of birthAdelaide South Australia
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationClerk
AddressRobert Street, North Croydon, South Australia
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation22
Next of kinMother, Mrs M A Hourigan, Robert Street, North Croydon, South Australia
Enlistment date16 November 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit nameMachine Gun Company 8, Reinforcement 13
AWM Embarkation Roll number24/13/4
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A29 Suevic on 21 June 1917
Regimental number from Nominal Roll719A
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll43rd Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 12 June 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the period 16th September to 11th November, 1918. During the operations of 1st September, 1918, in the vicinity of HAUT ALLAINES, the advance was temporarily checked by an enemy machine gun, which was causing a large number of casualties. This Non Commissioned Officer, quickly arranged for No. 1 of the Lewis Gun to hold the enemy, while he himself rushed the gun, captured it and shot and bayoneted the crew of three men. His coolness and initiative cleared up a difficult situation, and enabled the advance to be continued.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 135
Date: 11 December 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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