The AIF Project

Walter McDONALD

Regimental number1188
Place of birthPaterson New South Wales
ReligionMethodist
OccupationLabourer
AddressEungai, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation22
Next of kinFather, Hugh McDonald, High Street, Morpeth, New South Wales
Enlistment date31 January 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll1 February 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name36th Battalion, D Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/53/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A72 Beltana on 13 May 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll55th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal (altered from Distinguished Conduct Medal)


Recommendation date: 4 September 1918

FateReturned to Australia 10 April 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack on ST DENIS WOOD, PERONNE, on 2nd September 1918. During the initial stages of the attack heavy Machine Gun fire was encountered. This man noticing this, with great courage and deliberation worked his way forward into a position from where, by sniping, he was able to place an enemy Machine Gun out of action, notwithstanding he was under observation of enemy snipers who continually fired at him. This soldier's action in silencing the enemy Machine gun enabled a Lewis Gun to be brought forward thereby greatly assisting the attack. Private McDonald's courage and disregard of personal safety during the operation was most noticeable and his actions throughout were a great incentive to his comrades.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 109
Date: 15 September 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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