The AIF Project

William OSWALD

Regimental number1389
Place of birthMinmi New South Wales
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationLabourer
AddressRegent Street, Cessnock, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation25
Next of kinFather, W Oswald, Regent Street, Cessnock, New South Wales
Enlistment date6 October 1914
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name13th Battalion, 1st Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/30/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A35 Berrima on 22 December 1914
Rank from Nominal RollCompany Sergeant Major
Unit from Nominal Roll13th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Distinguished Conduct Medal


'Work near Morcourt on 8 August 1918.'
Recommendation date: 13 August 1918

FateReturned to Australia 24 September 1918
Medals

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During an advance on a village this Warrant Officer was in charge of his company mopping up partyu. Perceiving a gap of about 400 yards in the attacking line he immediately led his party into it, and bringing fire to bear on the enemy machine guns enabled the battalions to close up again. Later, his company was subjected to galling enfilade fire, but, steadying the men, he led them forward, and while they were digging in moved freely about, encouraging them in their work. He was of great assistance to the C.O. in siting the new line and distributing the men.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 36
Date: 14 March 1919

Military Medal

'This N.C.O. was in charge of a ration party carrying to the front line East of MESSINES on the night of 22nd/23rd August, 1917. The route traversed by his party was entirely "overland", was constantly under machine gun fire and subject to sudden artillery barrage. Returning with his own party he heard that a party carrying to another part of the line was lost. Oswald immediately went out in search of the party which had been scattered by shell fire. Though the shelling was still heavy he collected them all with their loads and guided them to their destination. The arrival of rations with clock work precision despite all enemy action is a stimulus to morale and a state of affairs that can only exist through courage and devotion to duty such as shown by this N.C.O.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 19
Date: 14 February 1918

Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Medals: Distinguished Conduct Medal, Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death23 August 1957
Place of burialNewcastle Memorial Park Cemetery & Crematorium

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