The AIF Project

William Thomas RICHMOND

Regimental number3422
Place of birthIpswich Queensland
ReligionMethodist
OccupationPainter
AddressThorn Street, Ipswich, Queensland
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation28
Next of kinFather, H Richmond, Thorn Street, Ipswich, Queensland
Enlistment date30 July 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name15th Battalion, 11th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/32/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, on board HMAT A48 Seang Bee on 21 October 1915
Rank from Nominal RollCorporal
Unit from Nominal Roll15th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 8 July 1918

FateReturned to Australia 8 April 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'Is recommended for conspicuous gallantry and great leadership in action near HAMEL WOOD, east of CORBIE, on 4th July, 1918. His coolness and initiative had a far reaching effect when the Company met with strong opposition from PEAR TRENCH. This N.C.O.s Section was in the second wave, and before reaching PEAR TRENCH the first wave became very thin as a result of enemy fire. He immediately filled the gap with his Section and led them on, cheering as they went, and found an entry into the trench. As soon as the trench was cleared he displayed wonderful leadership and organising powers in rallying the Sections which had become very disorganised through the hand to hand fighting that had taken place. He got his own and another Section, which had lost its leader, moving and they were soon following the barrage closely. In the consolidation his experience and knowledge were most noticeable. His coolness and courage throughout greatly impressed the remainder of the Platoon.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 23
Date: 12 March 1919

Other detailsMedals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

Print format    


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