The AIF Project

William LAVERY

Regimental number5403
Place of birthBankstown New South Wales
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationLabourer
AddressKarula, Moss Vale, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Next of kinMother, Mrs R Lavery, Brunka Road, Bankstown, New South Wales
Enlistment date6 November 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name1st Battalion, 17th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/18/4
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A49 Ceramic on 14 April 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll53rd Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Distinguished Conduct Medal


Recommendation date: 5 October 1918

Distinguished Conduct Medal


Recommendation date: 11 October 1918

FateReturned to Australia 2 June 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'During the operations near BELLICOURT from 30th September to 2nd October 1918, this man displayed the most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty as a stretcher bearer, while attending to the wounded under very heavy machine gun and rifle fire. At one period in the advance his Platoon Commander fell seriously wounded immediately in front of an enemy strong post. Private LAVERY immediately crawled out 300 yards into 'No Man's Land' under intense machine fire and bandaging him up attempted to carry him to safety; owing to the heavy fire he was unable to do this at the first attempt but returned a little later in company with another man, and succeeded in bringing him in. For 36 hours he laboured unceasingly attending to and carrying wounded and undoubtedly saved many lives.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 109
Date: 15 September 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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