The AIF Project

William Allan IRWIN

Regimental number792
Place of birthCoonabarabran, New South Wales
SchoolMoree Public School, New South Wales
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationShearer
AddressMoree, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation38
Next of kinFather, W Irwin, Quirindi PO, Quirindi, New South Wales
Enlistment date3 January 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll6 January 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name33rd Battalion, C Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/50/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A74 Marathon on 4 May 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll33rd Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Distinguished Conduct Medal


Recommendation date: 7 September 1918

FateDied of wounds 1 September 1918
Age at death40
Place of burialDaours Communal Cemetery Extension (Plot VIII, Row B, Grave No. 32), France
Panel number, Roll of Honour,
  Australian War Memorial
122
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Parents: William and Eliza IRWIN, Coonabarabran; brother of Mr H GROSE, East Moree, New South Wales
Medals

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during operations at Road Wood on 31 August, 1918. Single handed and in the face of heavy fire, he rushed three separate machine gun nests, capturing the guns and crews. While rushing a fourth, he was severely wounded. His irresistible dash inspired the whole of his company.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 35
Date: 15 April 1920

Other details

War service: Western Front

Distinguished Conduct Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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