The AIF Project

William LANE

Regimental number361
Place of birthNewtown New South Wales
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationHorse driver
Address54 Wardie Street, Sth Fremantle, Western Australia
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation23
Next of kinFather, George Chas Richard Lane, 54 Wardie Street, Sth Fremantle, Western Australia
Enlistment date8 January 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll18 January 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name44th Battalion, B Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/61/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Fremantle, Western Australia, on board HMAT A29 Suevic on 6 June 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll44th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Distinguished Conduct Medal


Altered to MM.
Recommendation date: 19 July 1917

FateReturned to Australia 11 January 1918
Medals

Military Medal

'On the night of 9th July, 1917, this man was a member of a Patrol working in No Man's Land east of MESSINES. Private LANE accompanied by No. 2429 Private A. TYSON was on the right flank of the Patrol and on the enemy commencing a heavy shelling of the locality, took cover in a shell hole. While lying up in the shell hole about 200 yards from our front line Private TYSON was seriously wounded by a fragment of shell. Private LANE attempted to render first aid, but finding the wound too serious he hoisted the wounded man on his back and commenced to carry him to our trenches. Private LANE had proceeded only a few yards when he was attacked by two Germans, part of an enemy patrol seen earlier in the evening. Laying Private TYSON down he immediately engaged the two Germans with bombs. Several bombs were exchanged. One of the enemy fell and the other ran away. Private LANE was himself slightly wounded in the head. He then placed Private TYSON on his back again and commenced to crawl back to our trenches. Three more Germans appeared and picking up their comrade who had been hit, they disappeared in the direction of their own lines. Corporal H. BARR, the Patrol leader, states, that hearing bombing on the right flank of his party, he hurried across and found Private LANE slightly wounded standing over Private TYSON, who was unconscious and apparently badly wounded. This man's brave action not only saved the wounded men but prevented the enemy from obtaining an identification. Private LANE has down splendid work as a scout ever since the Battalion has been in FRANCE. He was previously wounded during the raid carried out by the Battalion at ARMENTIERES on the night of 13th/14th March, 1917. On that occasion he showed great courage and initiative in working ahead of the Platoon he was guiding. Passing alone through the German wire, he stood on the parapet and directed the raiding party by flashing his electric torch. He has always shown great resource and intelligence as a scout.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 9
Date: 24 January 1918

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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