The AIF Project

William Gordon JOHNSTON

Regimental number602
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationFarmer
AddressManton, Qnr, Queensland
Marital statusMarried
Age at embarkation23
Next of kinWife, Mrs C Johnston, Brisbane GPO, Brisbane, Queensland
Enlistment date5 September 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit nameMachine Gun Company 7, Reinforcement 10
AWM Embarkation Roll number24/12/4
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board RMS Omrah on 17 January 1917
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll4th Machine Gun Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 19 May 1918
Medals

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. The enemy had massed for attack, and when our infantry charged, he assisted his No. 1 to place a machine gun in an exposed position, and whilst the No. 1 was firing, he shielded him with his body. He was soon wounded, but continued at duty till the situation was clear. He showed great courage and exacted heavy losses from the enemy.
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 15
Date: 4 February 1919

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