| Regimental number | 1059 |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Occupation | Engineer |
| Address | 23 Bay Street, Double Bay, Double Bay,, Sydney, New South Wales |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 21 |
| Next of kin | Father, Arthur William Earnshaw, 23 Bay Street, Double Bay, New South Wales |
| Enlistment date | |
| Rank on enlistment | Private |
| Unit name | 17th Battalion, C Company |
| AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/34/1 |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A32 Themistocles on |
| Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
| Unit from Nominal Roll | 17th Battalion |
| Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Military Medal 'Work at Passchendaele on 9 October 1917.' Recommendation date: |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Medals |
Military Medal 'During operations on 9th October, 1917, on PASCHENDAELE RIDGE, these runners [EARNSHAW and 919 W.D. HUME] displayed an absolute disregard for personal safety in carrying messages through heavy barrage fire. When, owing to casualties, there was urgent need for every available man in the front line, these men with practially no assistance did the whole of the running from the front line to Battalion Headquarters passing through the enemy's barrage time after time, and exposed the while to enemy machine gun and sniping fire. When the position was obscure they were responsible for the bringing of much valuable information concerning the situation to Battalion Headquarters. They showed remarkable endurance in carrying out these duties practically without sleep for three days and nights. They also acted as guides to the relieving unit and with great skill andresourcefulness, were able to conduct them to positions about which very little was known.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 76 Date: |
| Other details |
War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front Medals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal |