| Regimental number | 3153 |
| Place of birth | Karakershesell, Co Cavan, Ireland |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Occupation | Draper |
| Address | Rockhampton, Queensland |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 32 |
| Height | 5' 7.5" |
| Weight | 150 lbs |
| Next of kin | Father, Alexander Stafford, Paine Street, Torwood, Brisbane, Queensland |
| Previous military service | Nil |
| Enlistment date | |
| Place of enlistment | Rockhampton, Queensland |
| Rank on enlistment | Private |
| Unit name | 42nd Battalion, 7th Reinforcement |
| AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/59/3 |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A18 Wiltshire on |
| Rank from Nominal Roll | Lance Corporal |
| Unit from Nominal Roll | Australian Army Ordnance Corps |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Miscellaneous details (Nominal Roll) | Regimental Number incorrectly recorded on Nominal Roll as 3152. |
| Miscellaneous information from cemetery records | Plaque in Queensland Garden of Remembrance |
| Medals |
Military Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry in action and devotion to duty. On the night of 31st May, 1918, near VILLERS BRETONNEUX, near AMIENS, No. 3153 Private William Henry STAFFORD displayed remarkable courage in capturing a German patrol leader. Following a heavy bombardment a party of the enemy, consisting of 1 N.C.O. and 10 men, rushed the lewis gun outpost position of which STAFFORD was in charge; No. 2 of the gun was immediately stunned by a blow, leaving STAFFORD to fight 3 of the enemy single handed. He displayed great coolness and daring and succeeded in routing two of his opponents, capturing the third who was a German Sergeant Major and obtained identification of the enemy when it was urgently required. Throughout the whole operation he set an inspiring example to his comrades.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 23 Date: |
| Other details |
War service: Western Front Embarked Sydney, 7 February 1917; disembarked Devonport, England, 11 April 1917; marched into 11th Training Bn, 23 April 1917. Found guilty, Durrington Camp, 16 May 1917, of being absent without leave from midnight, 14 May, to 3 pm, 15 May 1917: awarded 7 days' confined to barracks, and forfeited 1 day's pay. Marched into 9th Training Bn, Fovant, 5 November 1917. Proceeded overseas to France, 20 November 1917; taken on strength, 12th Bn, in the field, 27 November 1917. Admitted to 11th Australian Field Ambulance, 7 May 1918 (scabies); discharged to duty, 10 May 1918. Admitted to 10th Australian Field Ambulance, 1 June 1918 (dermatitis); transferred to 5th Casualty Clearing Station, 6 June 1918; to rejoined unit, in the field, 15 July 1918. Awarded Military Medal. Transferred to 41st Bn, 23 October 1918. On leave to Paris, 28 November 1918; rejoined Bn, 8 December 1918. On leave to United Kingdom, 10 January 1919. Attached for duty to Australian Army Ordnance Corps, 29 January 1919. Granted leave with pay and subs (fees £10.17.6), 25 March-1 August 1919: Non-Military Employment (textiles, attending Leeds University); leave extended to 8 August 1919. Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Raranga', 8 September 1919; disembarked Sydney, 29 October 1919; discharged, Brisbane (date not recorded). Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
| Date of death | |
| Sources | NAA: B2455, STAFFORD William Henry |
Postal Address:
Po Box 7916
Canberra BC 2610, Australia
Street Address:
Northcott Drive,
Campbell, ACT 2600
