The AIF Project

William HIRST

Regimental number3762
Place of birthMelbourne Vic
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationTeacher
AddressCharters Towers High School, Charters Towers, Queensland
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation21
Next of kinFather, J W Hurst, Eton via Mackay, Queensland
Enlistment date18 August 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name15th Battalion, 12th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/32/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A23 Suffolk on 30 November 1915
Rank from Nominal RollCorporal
Unit from Nominal Roll11th Field Artillery Brigade
FateReturned to Australia 20 November 1918
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Plaque in Queensland Garden of Remembrance
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the attack on our positions opposite ALBERT and DERNANCOURT on 5th April 1918. Throughout the day he fought his gun with great courage and determination. he extinguished ammunition which had been ignited in his gun-pit. During the day, Sergeant HIRST's detachment had very severe casualties and though himself badly shaken by two shells which burst near his gun, he carried on and kept his gun in action. He was severely wounded ultimately but continued to direct his Sub-section until the situation cleared.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 185
Date: 27 November 1918

Other details

War service: Egypt, Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death31 March 1983

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