William Benjamin KNOX

Regimental number5719
Place of birthMelbourne Victoria
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationDriver
AddressArthur Street, Sandringham, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation25
Next of kinFather, Mr H Knox, Arthur Street, Sandringham, Victoria
Enlistment date11 September 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name5th Battalion, 17th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/22/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A14 Euripides on 4 April 1916
Rank from Nominal RollDriver
Unit from Nominal Roll4th Division Ammunition Column
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 14 October 1917

FateReturned to Australia 1 May 1919
Medals

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. At CHATEAU WOOD, east of YPRES, at midnight on 3rd/4th October, 1917, when driving ammunition wagons up to the forward Batteries, the wagon capsized into a large flooded shell hole taking with it the six mules of the team. No. 1711 Driver G.S. HOUGH with the two other Drivers, W.B. KNOX, 5719, and E.M. LUCAS, 312, though under shell fire, worked for two hours in the water until all the mules and ammunition wagon were cleared and then continued their journey and delivered the ammunition to their Battery in time for the action on the 4th October, 1917. The gallant conduct of these Drivers not only save the team but ensured the delivery of ammunition to the Battery at a very critical time.'

Other details

War service: Western Front

Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal