The AIF Project

Ernest William BILLING

Regimental number128
Place of birthSheffield, Tasmania
ReligionMethodist
OccupationLabourer
AddressClaude Road, Tasmania
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation29
Next of kinFather, D Billing, Claude Road, Tasmania
Enlistment date9 March 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name40th Battalion, A Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/57/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Hobart, Tasmania, on board HMAT A35 Berrima on 1 July 1916
Rank from Nominal RollSergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll40th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 16 August 1918

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 5 September 1918

Distinguished Conduct Medal


Recommendation date: 29 December 1918

FateReturned to Australia 27 May 1919
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Plaque in Launceston Garden of Remembrance
Medals

Military Medal

'On the 12th August, 1918, near PROYART, while his Battalion, without artillery protection, was advancing by means of patrol fighting, he crept forward under heavy fire, killed three snipers and sent back information enabling his platoon commander to open fire on two machine guns which were holding up the advance. He displayed great resource, courage and devotion to duty in the performance of this work.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61
Date: 23 May 1919

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For gallantry and devotion to duty near Bony on 29-30 September, 1918, and 1 October, 1918. On one occasion he led forward four scouts under direct fire from machine guns and snipers, and made a detailed reconnaissance into the Hindenburg line opposite his company, the information which he brought back being of vital importance to his company commander.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 42
Date: 20 May 1920

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Distinguished Conduct Medal, Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death22 April 1950

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