The AIF Project

Walter COWAN

Regimental number393
Place of birthMinyip, Victoria
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationFarmer
AddressNullan, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation24
Height5' 10"
Weight169 lbs
Next of kinMother, Mrs Cowan, Nullan, Victoria
Enlistment date22 August 1914
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll22 August 1914
Place of enlistmentMinyip, Victoria
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name4th Light Horse Regiment, C Squadron
AWM Embarkation Roll number10/9/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board Transport A18 Wiltshire on 19 October 1914
Rank from Nominal RollCorporal
Unit from Nominal Roll1st Anzac Cyclists' Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 23 October 1918
Discharge date3 February 1919
Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli

, Western Front

Embarked from Alexandria to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, Gallipoli, 20 May 1915. Disembarked Alexandria, 27 December 1915 (general Gallipoli evacuation). Transferred to Cyclists' Corps and taken on strength, Heliopolis, 20 March 1916. Appointed Lance Corporal, 23 March 1916.

Proceeded from Alexandria to join the British Expeditionary Force, 25 March 1916; disembarked Marseilles, 30 March 1916. Taken on strength, 1st Anzac Cyclist Bn, 12 May 1916. Taken on strength, reorganised 1st Anzac Cyclist Bn, 9 July 1916. Appointed Acting Corporal, 1 September 1916; promoted Corporal, 1 September 1916.

Detached for duty with Corps Chemical Adviser, 17 May 1918.

Admitted to 10th Field Ambulance, 23 June 1918 (influenza); transferred to 47th Casualty Clearing Station, 23 June 1918; by 10th Ambulance Train to 1st Australian General Hospital, Rouen, 28 June 1918; to England, 16 July 1918, and admitted to Beaufort War Hospital, Bristol, 17 July 1918; to 3rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital, Dartford, 25 July 1918. Granted furlough, 5 August 1918, to report to No 3 Command Depot, Hurdcott, 19 August 1918. Marched out to No 2 Command Depot, Weymouth, 12 September 1918; to No 2 Camp, Parkhouse, 14 October 1918.

Commenced return to Australia on board 'D30', 23 October 1918; disembarked Melbourne, 25 December 1918; discharged, 23 February 1919.

Medals: 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

Also served in World War II as V359715, Pte, 14th Bn, Volunteer Defence Corps, 20 March 1942-14 December 1943.
Date of death25 August 1963
Place of burialSheephills Cemetery

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