The AIF Project

William James BUCHANAN

Regimental number5240
Place of birthNorth Invercargill, New Zealand
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationBaker
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation24
Next of kinMother, Mrs A Buchanan, 42 Perth Street, Prahran, Victoria
Previous military serviceServed for 3 years in the Cadets.
Enlistment date26 November 1914
Place of enlistmentMelbourne, Victoria
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit nameField Butchery and Bakery
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board TRANSPORT A35 Berrima on 22 December 1914
Rank from Nominal RollLance Corporal
Unit from Nominal Roll4th Field Bakery
FateReturned to Australia 13 December 1918
Discharge date4 August 1980
Family/military connectionsBrothers: 610A Pte David Gustav BUCHANAN, 2nd Bn, returned to Australia, 27 September 1917; 996 Pte David Gustav BUCHANAN, Field Ambulance.
Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Proceeded to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, Gallipoli, 21 May 1915. Admitted to 25th Casualty Clearing Station, Mudros, 31 August 1915. Transferred to Malta; arrived, 10 September 1915, and admitted to St Andrew's Hospital. Transferred to Ghain Suffich, 12 October 1915 (gastritis); discharged from hospital and embarked for Mudros, 15 November 1915. Admitted to Rasel Tin Hospital, Alexandria, 11 December 1915 (frostbite); discharged to duty, 18 December 1915. Rejoined unit, Tel el Kebir, 6 January 1916. Transferred to 4th Australian Field Bakery, 3 March 1916. Appointed Lance Corporal, 6 May 1916.

Proceeded from Alexandria to join the British Expeditionary Force, 6 June 1916; disembarked Marseilles, 11 June 1916.

On leave to England, 2 March 1918; rejoined unit from leave, 19 March 1918. Found guilty of overstaying leave by 1 day, 17 March 1918: awarded reprimand and forfeiture of 1 day's pay.

Transferred to England for return to Australia, 5 October 1918; commenced return to Australia on board 'Port Hacking', 3 December 1918; disembarked Melbourne, 27 January 1919; discharged, 28 March 1919.

Medals: 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death4 August 1960
Place of burialSpringvale Cemetery

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