| Regimental number | 509 |
| Place of birth | Bundaberg Queensland |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Occupation | Fitter |
| Address | Scotten Street, East Bundaberg, Queensland |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 22 |
| Next of kin | Father, William John Patterson, Scotten Street, East Bundaberg, Queensland |
| Enlistment date | |
| Rank on enlistment | Private |
| Unit name | 31st Battalion, B Company |
| AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/48/1 |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A62 Wandilla on |
| Two ships left from Melbourne carrying the 31st Battalion Headquarters and Companies A, B, C and D: HMAT A62, 'Wandilla', on 9 November 1915 and HMAT A41, 'Bakara', on 5 November 1915. It is not possible from the Embarkation Roll to determine on which ship an individual embarked. | |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A41 Bakara on |
| Two ships left from Melbourne carrying the 31st Battalion Headquarters and Companies A, B, C and D: HMAT A62, 'Wandilla', on 9 November 1915 and HMAT A41, 'Bakara', on 5 November 1915. It is not possible from the Embarkation Roll to determine on which ship an individual embarked. | |
| Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
| Unit from Nominal Roll | 31st Battalion |
| Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Military Medal Recommendation date: Bar to Military Medal Recommendation date: |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Medals |
Military Medal 'At POLYGON WOOD on 26/28th September, 1917, this soldier, by his zealous and untiring efforts to alleviate the sufferings of the wounded, and by his perfect sang froid under the most strenuous circumstances, he proved himself to be a stretcher bearer of the highest calibre. He attended to the wounded and helped to carry them back over 2000 yards out of ground that was literally raked by shell and rifle fire.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31 Date: Bar to Military Medal 'During the operations of 29th and 30th September and 1st October these men [PATTERSON, 3574 W.J. HARVEY, 4874 G.H. WOODCROFT] acted as stretcher bearers, and throughout displayed a courage and devotion to duty which was the admiration of all ranks. On 29th September they brought back large numbers of wounded men of all units to the R.A.P. under an extremely intense artillery and machine gun fire. ON 30th September and 1st October they worked unceasingly, carrying the wounded through heavy artillery barrages and under direct enemy observation. By their cheerfulness and devotion to duty they set a splendid example to all ranks, and undoubtedly contributed to the saving of a large number of lives. At great personal risk Privates HARVEY and PATTERSON rescued an Officer from a burning tank, and brought him under cover.'
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Postal Address:
Po Box 7916
Canberra BC 2610, Australia
Street Address:
Northcott Drive,
Campbell, ACT 2600
