The AIF Project

William McGUINNES

Regimental number1303
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationLabourer
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation21
Next of kinMother, Mrs Caroline Knapps, Rosewater PO, Blakney, South Australia
Enlistment date14 September 1914
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name16th Battalion, H Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/33/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A40 Ceramic on 22 December 1914
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll16th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 2 April 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For gallantry and devotion to duty during operations on the 26th September, 1917, near ZONNEBEKE. This man was attached to his Company Headquarters as a runner. During the progress of an enemy counter attack he carried two messages from the front line under a very heavy shell fire and machine gun barrage and on his return on the second occasion, he carried in a badly-wounded man to the R.A.P. Throughout the whole operation, his conduct was most gallant and in addition tot he specific instance above mentioned, he made many more trips through barrages without regard for the personal risks involved. He is recommended for distinction.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31
Date: 7 March 1918

Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

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

Print format    


© The AIF Project 2024, UNSW Canberra. Not to be reproduced without permission.