'For conspicuous gallantry in action and devotion to duty. On the night 23rd/24th May, 1918, east of VILLERS BRETONNEUX, this soldier was in charge of an outpost group of four men, 200 yards in front of our front line. When an enemy patrol advanced towards our line he skilfully handled his section and succeeded in killing one of the enemy and capturing one live prisoner. By his prompt action in an isolated post this soldier is indeed deserving of commendation. He secured identification and prevented the enemy from ascertaining the disposition of troops in this new line, although the post which this soldier held had been heavily shelled all day, he kept his men under cover and on the lookout the whole time, and then frustrated the attempt of the enemy to reconnoitre the position. Seldom has a private soldier behaved so admirably under such strenuous conditions. He set a fine example of leadership and disregard of personal safety, in his devotion to duty.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 23
Date: 12 February 1919

Regimental number	2289
Place of birth	Newcastle, New South Wales
Religion	Methodist
Occupation	Hairdresser
Address	Boulder, Western Australia
Marital status	Single
Age at embarkation	20
Height	5' 6"
Next of kin	Mother, Mrs Nellie Baxter, 107 Richardson Street, Boulder, Western Australia
Previous military service	84th Infantry
Enlistment date	1 May 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll	9 May 1916
Place of enlistment	Kalgoorlie, Western Australia
Rank on enlistment	Private
Unit name	44th Battalion, 4th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number	23/61/2
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Fremantle, Western Australia, on board HMAT A39 Port Macquarie on 13 October 1916
Rank from Nominal Roll	Corporal
Unit from Nominal Roll	44th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)	Military Medal Recommendation date: 28 May 1918
Fate	Returned to Australia 23 December 1919
Medals	Military Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry in action and devotion to duty. On the night 23rd/24th May, 1918, east of VILLERS BRETONNEUX, this soldier was in charge of an outpost group of four men, 200 yards in front of our front line. When an enemy patrol advanced towards our line he skilfully handled his section and succeeded in killing one of the enemy and capturing one live prisoner. By his prompt action in an isolated post this soldier is indeed deserving of commendation. He secured identification and prevented the enemy from ascertaining the disposition of troops in this new line, although the post which this soldier held had been heavily shelled all day, he kept his men under cover and on the lookout the whole time, and then frustrated the attempt of the enemy to reconnoitre the position. Seldom has a private soldier behaved so admirably under such strenuous conditions. He set a fine example of leadership and disregard of personal safety, in his devotion to duty.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 23 Date: 12 February 1919
Discharge date	19 March 1920
Other details	War service: Western Front Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

William BAXTER