The AIF Project

William DAFTER

Regimental number703
Place of birthWoodend, Victoria
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationLabourer
AddressWoodend PO, Woodend, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation19
Next of kinFather, James Dafter, Woodend PO, Woodend, Victoria
Enlistment date25 February 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name23rd Battalion, D Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/40/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A14 Euripides on 10 May 1915
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll23rd Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Work near Herleville on 12 August 1918.
Recommendation date: 28 August 1918

FateReturned to Australia 9 March 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'On the afternoon of the 12th August, 1918, at front line near HERLEVILLE East of AMIENS, this runner showed exceptional courage and devotion to duty. Whilst a bombing party was penetrating enemy system, he guided a co-operating party into NO MAN's LAND along a parallel trench, in spite of enemy Machine Gun and Rifle fire he led his party with such dash that they were able to closely co-operate and thus bring the minor attack to a successful conclusion.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 109
Date: 15 September 1919

Family/military connectionsBrother: 366 Lance Corporal James DAFTER, 24th Bn, returned to Australia, 28 March 1919.
Other detailsMedals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

Print format    


© The AIF Project 2024, UNSW Canberra. Not to be reproduced without permission.