The AIF Project

William Frederick SPARKES

Regimental number28802
Place of birthLondon England
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationMiner
AddressVictor Road, Brookvale, Sydney, New South Wales
Marital statusMarried
Age at embarkation33
Next of kinWife, Mrs M L Sparkes, c/o Mrs Wills, opp French's Road, Willoughby, Sydney, New South Wales
Enlistment date16 March 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll30 March 1916
Rank on enlistmentGunner
Unit nameMedium Trench Mortar Battery Reinforcement 1
AWM Embarkation Roll number13/129/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A47 Mashobra on 14 September 1916
Rank from Nominal RollBombardier
Unit from Nominal Roll11th Field Artillery Brigade
FateReturned to Australia 25 January 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the attack on our positions opposite DERNANCOURT and ALBERT on the 5th April 1918. When the Battery was under very heavy shell fire and his No. 1 had been wounded and evacuated, this Gunner immediately took over the duties of No. 1 and carried on the service of his Howitzer. He remained in charge of the Howitzer till late in the day when an N.C.O. from the Wagon Line took over from him. by his fearless bearing and initiative, this Gunner set a fine example.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 185
Date: 27 November 1918

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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