The AIF Project

William MESSER

Regimental number4548
Place of birthBallarat East Victoria
ReligionMethodist
OccupationDraper
Address103 Barkley Street, Ballarat East, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation18
Next of kinFather, Mr W Messer, 103 Barkley Street, Ballarat East, Victoria
Enlistment date16 July 1915
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll15 June 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name8th Battalion, 14th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/25/5
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A32 Themistocles on 28 January 1916
Rank from Nominal RollCorporal
Unit from Nominal Roll15th Trench Mortar Battery
FateReturned to Australia 24 January 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'During the operations in which the 15th Australian Infantry Brigade were engaged on 26th September 1917, Lance Corporal MESSER was in charge of one of our detachments which advanced with the 59th Battalion. On reaching their objective Lance Corporal MESSER and his detachment 'dug-in' and constructed an emplacement for their mortar. Shortly afterwards the mortar was blown up and three of the detachment were wounded. Lance Corporal MESSER immediately returned to our former front line and obtained a reserve mortar. On the return journey one of his two men was wounded, Lance Corporal MESSER at once seized the piece which the wounded man had been carrying and in spite of the heavy artillery barrage and his double load (he was now carrying both the base plate and the piece of the mortar) managed to reach his position. Just as he reached the emplacement he received a message that an enemy machine gun was still in action on our left front. he immediately got his mortar into action and silenced the Machine Gun. By his bravery and devotion to duty MESSER set a splendid example to all who came in contact with him.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31
Date: 7 March 1918

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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