William McRae McDONALD

Regimental number5717
Place of birthMarickville, Sydney, New South Wales
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationGrocer
Address27 Schwebel Street, Marrickville, Sydney, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation23
Next of kinMother, Mrs J McDonald, 27 Schwebel Street, Marrickville, Sydney, New South Wales
Enlistment date14 February 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll14 February 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name13th Battalion, 18th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/30/4
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A46 Clan Macgillivray on 3 May 1916
Rank from Nominal RollCorporal
Unit from Nominal Roll13th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Unspecified


Recommendation date: "1 October 1917

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 23 September 1918"

FateDied of wounds 20 September 1918
Place of death or woundingLe Verguier, France
Age at death26
Age at death from cemetery records26
Place of burialSte Marie Cemetery (Division 62, Plot V, Row E, Grave No. II), Le Havre, France
Panel number, Roll of Honour,
  Australian War Memorial
70
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Parents: John and Jane MCDONALD
Medals

Military Medal

'During the advance near LE VERGUIER on 18th September, 1918, Corporal McDonald led his section with great courage and skill. On one occasion he was suddenly attacked through the mist and smoke by an enemy bombing party. Without hesitation he dashed straight at the post throwing grenades as he ran. he killed or captured twelve of the enemy and enabled his section to advance. Later, this gallant N.C.O. was severely wounded when attempting to rush a hostile machine gun.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal