The AIF Project

William John HARPER

Regimental number2609
Place of birthGladstone, Tasmania
SchoolDerby State School, Tasmania
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationMiner
AddressGoondah P.O., Goondah, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation39
Next of kinFather, H. Harper, Derby near Launceston, Tasmania
Enlistment date23 June 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name13th Battalion, 8th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/30/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A54 Runic on 9 August 1915
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll13th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Distinguished Conduct Medal


Recommendation date: 29 September 1917

Other details from Roll of Honour CircularWounded twice in battle, slightly. Newspaper extract from Father, Henry Harper. "Mr Harry Harper, of Derby, has received a letter from his son, Sergeant-Major William Harper, who is well known and highly respected, having resided at Derby many years prior to the war. He enlisted in the 13th Battalion in New South Wales. He saw several months service at Gallipoli, and was one of those selected among twenty-five to hold Chesire Ridge at the evacuation, leaving by the last transport, prior to going to France. He writes: "I am pleased to tell you that I am A1, and still going strong, after the number of engagements that I have been in. I can tell you that I have never missed one stunt since the day I landed in France, so you can see what wonderful luck I have had. I fought all through the Somme campaign, and was in the Battles of Bapaume, Pozieres, and many other engagements, and recently at Bullecourt, Messines, and the heavy fighting for Passchendale heights. At the latter place I was twice wounded, ion the lega and in the arm, but not-withstanding this I stuck it through, although advised by my captain and medical officer to go to the rear. After I came back to the billets I got them dressed. I know Major Murray, who was awarded the V.C. very well. I was in charge of one of the platoons at Gudecourt, where he won his V.C., and I also shared the same German dugout with him at Messines Ridge. e is a fine man, and a wonderful fellow in the firing line. I am pleased to say that I have been awarded the D.C.M., and which was invested by General Birdwood, and of course I was complimented by my conrades. I had a trip recently to London on furlough, and had a most enjoyable time, and was made a member of the R.A.O. Buffaloes, and a motor car was placed at my disposal to do the sights of London. I got an order to visit the House of Lords hen sitting in session, and heard the leading speakers, which was something to be remembered. I was much taken with the London policemen who are magnificent fellows, both in physique and also intheir kindness and courtesy."
FateKilled in Action 27 March 1918
Place of death or woundingHebuterne, France
Age at death from cemetery records32
Place of burialGommecourt British Cemetery No. 2 (Plot II, Row L, Grave No. 9), Hebetarne, France
Panel number, Roll of Honour,
  Australian War Memorial
69
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Parents: Henry and Eliza HARPER, Derby, Tasmania
Medals

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When in charge of a fighting patrol, he drove in an enemy listening post and captured a strong point. During an attack he was in charge of carrying parties under heavy fire, and showed great skill and determination in handling his men, and in every case got the stores to their destination. He remained at duty, though twice wounded, and by his cheerfulness, set a splendid example throughout.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 95
Date: 27 June 1918

Discharge datea
Family/military connections2 cousins killed in battle.

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