The AIF Project

Harry James William WHITEHEAD

Regimental number22269
Place of birthNewcastle New South Wales
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationTailor
AddressWatson Place, Maylands, Western Australia
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation32
Next of kinFather, D Whitehead, Bazaar Terrace, Perth, Western Australia
Enlistment date25 October 1915
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll3 November 1915
Rank on enlistmentGunner
Unit nameHowitzer Brigade 23, Battery 109
AWM Embarkation Roll number13/133/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A7 Medic on 20 May 1916
Rank from Nominal RollDriver
Unit from Nominal Roll7th Field Artillery Brigade
FateReturned to Australia 11 May 1919
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Plaque in Western Australia Garden of Remembrance
Medals

Military Medal

'On the night 28th/29th September 1917, at HOOGE, this man showed conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He was the Driver of the Mess cart taking rations to the Battery gun line. His Lead Driver was very severely wounded, his lead horse had broken away and the wheel horse wounded. In spite of these difficulties and under extremely heavy shell fire Driver WHITEHEAD placed the Lead Driver in the cart, and after great effort managed to reach the gun line, delivered his rations and placed his comrade in safety. he then led the wounded horse back and attempted to find a Veterinary Aid Post. Throughout the whole period he was subjected to heavy shell fire, and displayed a complete disregard for his own safety. This action on his part is one of many of a similar character. He has never failed to bring the rations to the Gun line, although often under the greatest difficulties.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31
Date: 7 March 1918

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death28 July 1966

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