Regimental number | 1736 |
Place of birth | South Grafton, New South Wales |
Religion | Roman Catholic |
Occupation | Labourer |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 25 |
Height | 5' 6" |
Weight | 140 lbs |
Next of kin | Sister, Mrs E Marstalla, Redcliffe Hotel via Brisbane, Queensland |
Previous military service | Served for 2 years in the 4th Light Horse Regiment, Citizen Military Forces; resigned. |
Enlistment date | |
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll | |
Place of enlistment | Lismore, New South Wales |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 9th Battalion, 4th Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/26/2 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, on board HMAT A15 Star Of England on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Corporal |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 49th Battalion |
Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Military Medal Recommendation date: Bat to Military Medal Recommendation date: Distinguished Conduct Medal Recommendation date: Unspecified Recommendation date: |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
Medals |
Distinguished Conduct Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty while in charge of the regimental stretcher bearers. When many of his bearers had become casualties, he, under heavy fire, reorganized squads and brought in and evacuated all wounded. By skilful attention to badly wounded cases, he saved many lives, and, thanks to his fine example, the work was thoroughly and successfully carried out.a
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 15 Date: Military Medal 'During the operations at Messines the 7th, 8th and 9th June 1917, this N.C.O. was in charge of the Regimental Stretcher Bearers. he worked continuously during the whole operation, at many times under very heavy artillery and rifle fire. His conscientious devotion to duty was the means of saving many lives.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 219 Date: |
Other details |
War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'City of Exeter', 15 January 1919; discharged (termination of period of enlistment), Brisbane, 8 May 1919. Medals: Distinguished Conduct Medal, Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
Sources | NAA: B2455, COOPER William John |