The AIF Project

William Hilton IRWIN

Regimental number33453
Place of birthNew Town Tasmania
ReligionMethodist
OccupationWarehouseman
AddressCornelian Bay, Tasmania
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation24
Next of kinMother, Mrs E Irwin, Cornelian Bay, Tasmania
Enlistment date12 October 1916
Rank on enlistmentGunner
Unit nameField Artillery Brigade, February 1917 Reinforcements
AWM Embarkation Roll number13/128/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A9 Shropshire on 11 May 1917
Rank from Nominal RollGunner
Unit from Nominal Roll8th Field Artillery Brigade
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 8 September 1918

FateReturned to Australia 3 July 1919
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Plaque in Hobart Garden of Remembrance
Medals

Military Medal

'For gallantry in action on August 30th 1918, near CLERY on the SOMME, when their battery was being heavily shelled and the ammunition dump in rear of No. 3 gun was struck by a shell exploding the ammunition and igniting the camouflage on the gun. These two men [IRWIN and 19635 C. MASSA], at grave personal risk, ran to the gun and extinguished the burning ammunition and camouflage, thus preventing further damage to ordnance and material. By their fine work they set an excellent example to the remainder of the battery.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 109
Date: 15 September 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death28 October 1977

Print format    


© The AIF Project 2024, UNSW Canberra. Not to be reproduced without permission.