Regimental number | 736 |
Place of birth | Telangatuk East Victoria |
Religion | Church of England |
Occupation | Labourer |
Address | 31 Pental Road, Caulfield, Victoria |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 18 |
Height | 5' 11.5" |
Weight | 130 lbs |
Next of kin | ..., William Spong, 31 Pental Road, Caulfield, Victoria |
Previous military service | Member, Balmoral Rifle Club. |
Enlistment date | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 21st Battalion, C Company |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/38/1 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A38 Ulysses on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Lance Corporal |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 24th Battalion |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
Medals |
Military Medal 'At MT. ST. QUENTIN North of PERONNE on 1st September 1918 this man was one of a party of eight which attacked a strong post and captured 30 prisoners and 12 Machine Guns. Great difficulty was experienced by the party in getting within bombing distance of the post, when Private Spong, seeing this, rushed forward firing a Lewis Gun from the hip, thus compelling the enemy to keep down. The bombers were thus able to rush up and bomb the post. Those of the enemy who attempted to jump out and run away were shot down by the fire of the gun carried by Private Spong. His personal bravery and quick grasp of a difficult situation were beyond praise.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115 Date: |
Other details |
War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front Commenced return to Australia, 9 February 1916 (3 months' change).-Re-embarked, 3 July 1916. Medals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
Miscellaneous details | See other entry for second period of service. |
Sources | NAA: B2455, SPONG William Murray |