The AIF Project

William George COLLESS

Regimental number3814
Place of birthBrewarrina New South Wales
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationCarrier
AddressGongolgon, Brewarrina, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation27
Next of kinSister, C Colless, Gongolgon, Brewarrina, New South Wales
Enlistment date2 November 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name18th Battalion, 9th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/35/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A54 Runic on 20 January 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll18th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Bar to Military Medal


Work near Clery-sur-Somme on 31 August 1918.
Recommendation date: 7 September 1918

FateReturned to Australia 20 May 1919
Medals

Bar to Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On the morning of 31st August 1918, during very heavy enemy shelling of the cross roads and bridges near CLERY-sur-SOMME, west of PERONNE, some Engineers were wounded on one of the bridges they were repairing. Privates COLLESS and [4206 Keith Lamtock] McWHIRTER, without thought of personal safety immediately went to their assistance, having to erect a plank on which to cross the bridge. They bandaged and carried one man back to the R.A.P., a distance of some 200 yards. They immediately returned and brought another man from the same place. During the whole of this time the enemy continuously shelled the bridges and cross roads, securing three direct hits on the bridges.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No 115
Date: 10 October 1919

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