David WILLIAMS

Regimental number3891
Place of birthYarrawonga Victoria
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationWool mill employee
Address222 Malop Street, Geelong, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation20
Next of kinSister, Theresa Mary Williams, 222 Malop Street, Geelong, Victoria
Enlistment date1 May 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll9 May 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name29th Battalion, 9th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/46/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A73 Commonwealth on 19 September 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll32nd Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 10 June 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For unfailing courage and devotion to duty. Near SAILLY-le-SEC on the night 7th/8th May, 1918. His Company, when in the Reserve Position came under very heavy and continuous enfilade shell fire, several batteries of 5.9Us and 4,.2Us concentrating upon it with H.E. from the right flank for many hours. During this bombardment orders were received by his Company Commander to move forward without delay, and to co-operate in an attack on the enemy line. Private WILLIAMS, notwithstanding the darkness of the night and, the intense fire, under which the platoons, which were in isolated posts, and had been scattered in order to reduce casualties, performed six complete runs through the barrage from Company Headquarters to all platoons, working without cessation for six and a half hours until completely exhausted. He carried messages of the utmost importance relating to the proposed operation; and it was owing to his gallantry and steadfast performance of his duty under most trying circumstances, that his Company Commander was able to keep in touch with his platoons at a most critical time. This soldier has performed similar deeds with unfailing courage and cheerfulness whenever called upon, and did conspicuously good work during the taking of SUNRAY TRENCH by this Battalion, on 2nd March, 1917.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 15
Date: 4 February 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal