The AIF Project

William Henry SEDGLEY

Regimental number5912
Place of birthGawler South Australia
ReligionProtestant
OccupationFarmer
AddressWoranda Wells, West Coast, South Australia
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation24
Next of kinFather, W H Sedgley, Woranda Wells, West Coast, South Australia
Enlistment date3 November 1914
Rank on enlistmentCorporal
Unit nameLight Horse Brigade Train 4
AWM Embarkation Roll number25/102/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAT A19 Afric on 26 May 1915
Regimental number from Nominal Roll8791
Rank from Nominal RollCorporal
Unit from Nominal Roll18th Company, Australian Army Service Corps
FateReturned to Australia 17 December 1918
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. These two N.C.O.s [SEDGLEY and 69 G.T. ROBERTS] were on duty with a convoy of 80 mules, under the Command of Lieutenant B.D. RUSH, carrying rations and water to the 14th Australian Infantry Brigade in the front lines on 19th October, 1917. On arriving near WESTHOEK, the convoy was stopped by a block on the road caused by enemy shell fire, the road being totally destroyed in several places. the convoy was taken around over bad ground and proceeded on its journey; it was twice stopped by Traffic Control Officers who considered it impossible to get through. Several other Officers encountered, were also of the same opinion and advised that the trip should be abandoned. At two points the column was thrown into confusion and was retiring, when these two N.C.O.s rallied their men, and eventually by their fine example and courage under most trying and dangerous circumstances, succeeded in reforming the column and getting it forward and delivering the whole of the rations and water. this was the only column that got through.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 95
Date: 27 June 1918

Print format    


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