William Robert DRAYTON

Regimental number2738
Place of birthGeelong, Victoria
ReligionMethodist
OccupationElectrician
AddressGeelong, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation24
Next of kinFather, W W Drayton, 76 Little Ryrie Street, Geelong, Victoria
Enlistment date3 July 1915
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll25 June 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name14th Battalion, 8th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/31/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board SS Makarini on 15 September 1915
Rank from Nominal RollSergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll12th Field Artillery Brigade
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Distinguished Conduct Medal (Altered to Military Medal)


Recommendation date: 3 October 1917

Meritorious Service Medal


Recommendation date: 22 September 1918

Meritorious Service Medal


Recommendation date: 27 September 1918

FateReturned to Australia 30 April 1919
Medals

Meritorious Service Medal

'For capable and consistently courageous service. This N.C.O. has been Corporal in charge of Linesmen of the Signal Subsection of this Brigade throughout operations at ROBECQ, STRAZEELE and recent operations on the SOMME from 8th August 1918 onwards. It is largely due to his energy and devotion to duty that communications have been maintained through the most strenuous periods. Corporal DRAYTON is a most capable Linesman and Mechanic and his courage is an inspiring example to his men.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 75
Date: 17 June 1919

Military Medal

'Near YPRES, his linesman idisplayed great gallantry and devotion to duty on the eening 29th/30th October, 1917, when all communictions with Forward Observing Station and Artillery Liaison Officer at Infantry Brigade Headquarters HOOGE were broken. He repaired and maintained these lines under exceptionally heavy shell fire, thus enabling all S.O.S. and valuable front line information being passed to artillery group headquarters. On the morning of 2nd October, 1917, when the Forward batteries were out of communication with Group Headquarters, Sapper DRAYTON again repaired and maintained the lines under a concentrated fire in the vicinity of BELLEWAARDE Ridge, which enabled the Group Commander to direct Battery fire on the enemy attack near POLYGON WOOD. He also assisted to carry a wounded gunner through a heavy counter barrage to a Dressing Station at HOOGE CRATER.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31
Date: 7 March 1918