The AIF Project

William EARL

Regimental number3087
Place of birthGrenville, Victoria
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationLabourer
AddressInverleigh, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation20
Next of kinMother, Mrs Ellen Earl, Inverleigh, Victoria
Enlistment date12 July 1915
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll12 July 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name24th Battalion, 7th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/41/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A73 Commonwealth on 26 November 1915
Rank from Nominal RollCorporal
Unit from Nominal Roll1st Machine Gun Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Mention in Despatches


'Gallantry and devotion to duty at Yarra Bend, N.E. of Guedecourt, 10th February 1917.'

Military Medal


'(E. of Ypres) Great skill, energy and endurance throughout operations, rendering valuable services and setting fine example of courage and devotion to duty.'
Recommendation date: 17 October 1917

FateReturned to Australia 6 September 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'During operations at BROODSEINDE RIDGE east of YPRES from 4th to 10th October, 1917, this man had his gun position blown in on several occasions and was himself buried. He showed great skill, energy and endurance throughout and on each occasion re-established his position. His team was considerably reduced in strength by casualties but he stuck to the position cheerfully and later when new reinforcements were sent in it was his cool and cheerful behaviour that saved them from gividng way under the strain. He set a fine example of hardihood and tenacity of purpose throughout. He was in the line from 1st to 11th October, and had very little rest during that period and would not be relieved owing to weakness of unit through casualties and inexperienced men.'

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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