The AIF Project

Awarded, and promulgated, 'London Gazette' No. 31448 (11 July 1919); 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 124 (30 October 1919).

'Sergeant William MARSHALL showed conspicuous gallantry in action under heavy shell fire and Machine Gun fire as Platoon Sergeant of No 7 Platoon 'B' Company 57th Battalion. On August 8th when his platoon had suffered casualties he reorganised them and by his splendid example helped to keep their spirits up to the highest standard. At HARBONNIERES his work in guiding and assisting in the assembling at the lie out position of the 8th Battalion A.I.F. was of the highest order, so much so that the Company Commander with whom he was working sent a note of appreciation to 'B' Company 57th Battalion. At BELLICOURT practically the whole of his platoon were casualties and he personally supervised the collecting of the wounded from the open and their transport to a place of safety. His example to the remnant of his platoon whom he had organised as a Lewis Gun Section was beyond praise as these men were very shaken having been very severely knocked about by Direct Artillery Fire. It was under this direct fire that he assisted the wounded. This N.C.O. has been recommended twice previously for distinction and has been a member of ''B' Company since its formation in Egypt. He has taken part as a volunteer in two raids in the second of which, at MESSINES, he was wounded.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 51
Date: 10 June 1920