The AIF Project

William Andrew AIKEN

Regimental number32
Place of birthMurrumburrah, New South Wales
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationHorse and cattle dealer
AddressLarkins Hotel, Haymarket, Sydney, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation34
Height5' 11.5"
Weight182 lbs
Next of kinMrs Grace E Ord, Aust Bank of Commerce, Lismore, New South Wales
Previous military serviceServed for 6 months in the Australian Commonwealth Horse, South Africa (Boer War); 2 years in the Australian Liight Horse (time expired).
Enlistment date17 August 1914
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll17 August 1914
Place of enlistmentSydney, New South Wales
Rank on enlistmentDriver
Unit name4th Battalion, Headquarters
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/21/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board TRANSPORT A14 Euripides on 20 October 1914
Rank from Nominal RollCorporal
Unit from Nominal Roll4th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


'Conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty whilst on pack transport duty. By coolness and initiative was instrumental in getting convoy through a heavily shelled area without serious loss. (Hooge,18 September 1917).'
Recommendation date: 29 September 1917

FateReturned to Australia 10 March 1918
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Parents: Andrew and Anne Jane White AIKEN; Wife: Ettie Oriel AIKEN. Plaque in New South Wales Garden of Remembrance.
Medals

Military Medal

'During the operations near HOOGE on the night of 18th September 1917, for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty whilst on pack transport duty at forward dumps. This N.C.O. displayed great courage under heavy enemy fire and by his coolness and initiative was instrumental in getting his convoy through a heavily shelled area without serious loss.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 66
Date: 2 May 1918

Discharge date5 July 1919
Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Durham Castle', 10 March 1918; discharged (medically unfit), 5 July 1918.

Medals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

Death attributed to War Service.
Date of death8 October 1939
Age at death59
Place of burialRookwood Crematorium, New South Wales
SourcesNAA: B2455, AIKEN William Andrew

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